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REPORT 

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^SESQUI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 

OF THE 

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ENGINEERS* CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 

ON SITES 












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TO THE PRESIDENT 

AND 

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

OF THE 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION ASSOCIATION 



REPORT 

OF THE 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 

OF THE 

ENGINEERS' CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 

ON SITES 



PHILADELPHIA 
JANUARY 25, 1922 






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CONTENTS 

Page 

Letters of Transmittal v 

Committee Personnel vii 

Summary of the Report 1 

Authorization, Plan of Procedure, Personnel of Committee (Appendix A) 7 

Report of Findings, Correlation Committee (Appendix B) 10 

Reports of Committees on Statistics, and Scope; Tabulation of Statistics of Previous 

Fairs; and of Requirements of a Fair (Appendix C) 13 

Report of the Committee on Civil Engineering, including Health, Comfort, etc. 

(Appendix D) 21 

Report of the Committee on Transportation and Accessibility (Appendix E) 29 

Reports of Committees on Power and Light ; Central Station Service ; and Communica- 
tion (Appendix F) 37 



PLATES 

Page 

I. Fairmount Park-Parkway Region and Environs Following Title Page 

II. Master Map Showing Sites Reported Upon Following 6 

III. Map Showing Population " 12 

IV. A Compilation of Statistics of Previous Fairs 18 

V. Suggested Use of the Parkway and Lower Fairmount Park 20 

VI. Suggested Use of Upper Fairmount Park 24 

VII. Suggested Use of Roxborough 28 

VIII. Suggested Use of League Island " 32 

IX. Suggested Use of Pennypack Park " 36 

X. Suggested Use of United States Shipping Board Property (Hog Island) 38 



(iii) 



January 26, 1922. 

Mr. Edward Robins, Secretary pro tern., 

The Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition Association, 

Bellevue-Stratford, 

Philadelphia, Pa. 

Dear Mr. Robins: Again referring to your letter of December 7, 1921, 
transmitting the request of your Executive Committee that the Engineers' 
Club submit suggestions concerning the matter of a site for the Exposition, 
we are pleased to hand you herewith the results of a comprehensive 
engineering examination of the various sites which have been brought 
to our attention. 

This report was prepared by our Sesqui-Centennial Committee and rep- 
resents a careful study of the general scope and requirements of an exten- 
sive international exposition, as well as a consideration of the many 
engineering problems involved in its planning and construction. 

For your convenience the report has been arranged as follows: 

1. A general summary of the Committee's findings by the Chairman, 
Col. John Price Jackson. 

2. A more detailed summary by the Correlation Committee, con- 
sisting of the Chairmen of the various subcommittees. 

3. The complete reports of the several subcommittees covering the 
particular engineering considerations assigned to each. 

The energy and enthusiasm with which our Committee has applied 
itself to this task is typical, we believe, of the energy and enthusiasm with 
which the people of the City and of the Nation will apply themselves to 
this great commemorative event just as soon as your Association has 
cleared the way for action. We trust that we 'have succeeded in our 
earnest desire to aid in clearing the way and that this report will serve 
the purpose the Executive Committee had in mind in asking our co-opera- 
tion. 

We thank the Association for the opportunity which it has given us to 
be of service to the Sesqui-Centennial movement and will gladly assist 
further in any way within our power. 

Respectfully submitted, 

(Signed) W. F. JAMES, 
President, Engineers' Club of Philadelphia. 



January 25, 1922. 
Mr. W. F. James, President, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

My Dear Mr. James: I enclose herewith a copy of the report made 
by the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Phila- 
delphia. 

In making this submission I beg to express my high appreciation of the 
patriotic service of the men you appointed to act with me upon this 
Committee, and their spirit of co-operation. I particularly desire to draw 
your attention to the devoted and untiring labors of the various subcom- 
mittees which you constituted from and as an integral part of your general 
Committee, and to the helpfulness of the Secretary of the Club. 

Permit me also .to express appreciation of the invaluable and constant 
aid you gave us in every phase of our endeavors, and to congratulate 
you upon the judgment you used in appointing members, to serve with 
the Chairman, who were particularly qualified by experience and sound 
judgment to perform the special functions ■assigned to them. 
Yours faithfully, 

(Signed) JOHN PRICE JACKSON, 

Chairman, Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 

Engineers' Club. 



(v) 



SESQUI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 

OF THE 

ENGINEERS' CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 



Jackson, John Price, 
Ballinger, Walter F. 
Boyd, D. Knickerbocker 
Crawford, Andrew Wright 
Dallett, W. P. 
Easby, M. Ward 
Eglin, W. C. L. 
Fairchild, C. B., Jr. 
Fernald, Rofot, II . 
Foster, Benj. P. 
Franklin, Benjamin 
Horton, R. H. 
Kilpaitrick, J. L. 
Lindsay, A. R. 
Meigs, John 
Parker, William P. 
Penrose, Charles 
Pike, Clayton W. 



Chairman 

Plack, W. L. 
Prendergast, R. A. 
Quimby, Henry H. 
Sanford, W. H. 
Serrill, Wm. J. 
Sloan, S. A. 
Stamm, Norman L. 
Steinmetz, J. A. 
Swaab, S. M. 
Temple, E. B. 
Twining, W. S. 
Vogleson, J. A. 
Wagner, Joseph C. 
Wagner, Samuel T. 
Wood, A. C. 
Yarnall, D. Robt. 
Sanville. H. F. 



D. E. Dallam, 
Representing the Real Estate Board oj Philadelphia 

John T. Windrim, 
Representing The American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter 



(vii) 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



REPORT 



OF THE 



SESQUI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE OF THE ENGINEERS' 
CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 



Hon. J. Hampton Moore, President, 

AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 

The Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition Association, 
B ellevue-Stratf ord , 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Gentlemen : 

The Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of 
Philadelphia, appointed in response to your letter to the Presi- 
dent of the Club of December 7, 1921, for considering sites for 
the proposed Exposition of 1926, begs to submit this report. It 
comprises this summary and appendices given hereafter. 

A copy of your letter, also the details of the organization and 
plan of procedure of the committee with its personnel, will be 
found in Appendix A. It will be seen by turning to this reference 
that the Committee was subdivided into groups in a manner to 
obtain the most effective use of the experience of its members 
and to concentrate attention upon the important problems 
involved. 

After extended study of the problem by the Committee as a 
whole and its several sub-divisions, personal investigation of each 
site, consideration of the engineering features involved, and con- 
sideration of parallel information from the Philadelphia Chapter 
of the American Institute of Architects and the Real Estate 
Board (further details of which will be found hereafter) the fol- 
lowing summary of the findings is submitted: 

REGIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION. 

Fair mount Park and Parkway Region. 

The Fairmount Park and Parkway region was found, after all 
influencing features involved had been carefully weighed, to rate 
highest in net advantages as a territory within which the site 
for the Exposition can be located. (Plate I shows this region 
and its environs.) 



This decision, after independent investigation, was concurred 
in by the committees of the Architects and the Real Estate Board 
in a resolution, passed jointly by those two bodies and the Engi- 
neers' Committee, which specified this region as of highest rating 
in these terms: 

"It is unanimously recommended that a territory from 
Vine street — including the Parkway and Park — as far as is 
essential for the purpose (including territory on both sides 
of the river, if needed) is the most desirable site for the 
Sesqui-Centennial. If the City acquires other contiguous 
land in the meantime which can be used advantageously in 
connection with this site, it may be added." 

For purposes of the report this region is hereafter designated 
the Fairmount Park-Parkway Plan. It includes as much of the 
Lower Fairmount Park or "Cret" site, above Vine Street, the 
Upper Fairmount Park site, and other parts of Fairmount Park 
as may be found necessary when the actual plans for the Exposi- 
tion are being made (see page 2). The two> sites named above 
were those originally proposed for the location of the Fair in this 
region. For information concerning them see Plate II and the 
appendices to the report, especially Appendix B. 

The Engineers' Committee believes that the primary and strik- 
ing advantages of this region are its accessibility; its adapta- 
bility for the creation of a World's Fair development of surpass- 
ing beauty; and the possibility of the use and construction of 
buildings which will be of large permanent value to the City after 
the Fair is over. The accessibility of the location would add 
a material percentage to the income of the Fair, through admis- 
sions and the value of concessions, as compared with sites less 
centrally situated. From the aesthetic standpoint the location 
in this region would make possible the utilization of the most 
beautiful park development in this country, if not in the world. 
The proper use of portions of the Parkway would forward con- 
struction of the great permanent and needed structures planned 
for that magnificent thoroughfare, and would likely leave it so 
developed that it would become a competitor in beauty and dig- 
nity with the Champs Elysee in Paris, now generally recognized 
as the most beautiful existing boulevard. 

Further, the Art Gallery, National Government, and State 
Buildings, and other permanent structures contemplated for the 
Parkway — which can be completed and adapted for the purposes 
of the Exposition — may be found to serve as a method of reduc- 
ing the number of temporary structures, as they represent an 
important amount of floor space. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



A site in this region could readily have entrances which would 
give easy access from the south and east portions of the City, 
from West Philadelphia, and from North Philadelphia; and the 
Park being a source of rightful pride and interest to all of the 
people of the City, its acceptance for the site should result in 
all sections of the City joining in the enterprise with equal en- 
thusiasm and civic pride. With regard to housing and caring for 
visitors, the region has been ranked first, and it is acceptable 
.from the standpoint of transportation, water supply, sewage dis- 
posal, comfort, health, etc. 

Destruction of foliage, interrupted public use of the Park, and 
interference with the regular avenues of city travel, have been 
pointed to, and they, with other disadvantages which have been 
suggested, have been given careful consideration by the 
Committee. Investigation has led the Committee to believe that 
a net advantage will come to the Park in the form of improve- 
ments, if the Exposition is located there. Further, the Fair be- 
ing a project of all the people and of intense interest, both its con- 
struction and open period will draw to the park much greater 
numbers of our people than would normally be the case. It 
should be remembered also that only a relatively small fraction 
of the Park area is needed for Fair purposes. 

More detailed specifications with regard to the advantages and 
disadvantages of this region and other suggestions concerning 
the use of Fairmount Park, will be found in Appendix B. 

The specification given in the resolution, quoted earlier, con- 
cerning territory within the limitations of which the Exposition 
may be suitably placed, is made broad, as the specific boundaries 
of the Fair must be determined when the architectural and land- 
scape plans are prepared, and those responsible therefor should 
of course have as large leeway as possible. Further, the Exposi- 
tion engineers and architects should be in a position to avoid 
placing excessive expense upon the Fair project in the form of 
sewerage development, covering and electrifying railroads, con- 
demnation of valuable property, etc. However, there are im- 
provements along the Schuylkill contiguous to the territory pro- 
posed, involving the condemnation of land and improved sewer- 
age disposal which, when accomplished, might be of great advan- 
tage to both the City and Exposition. Their prompt undertaking 
by the City is submitted for the consideration of the municipal 
authorities. 

Although your request was for recommendations concerning 
sites, the consideration of this problem has of necessity involved 
a study of the probable features and general scope of the Exposi- 
tion. Results of this study are to be found among the appen- 



dices, but the following suggestions are submitted here for con- 
sideration in connection with the site recommended by the Com- 
mittee to be most desirable. Thus, there are two elements of 
national and international activity of much importance, which 
are not from the architectural or physical standpoints readily 
adapted to the central main group of buildings of an interna- 
tional exposition, but which it is believed should be developed 
as co-ordinate exhibits. These are an exhibit dealing with the 
practice and problems of marine transportation and activities, 
and another for showing agricultural processes and methods. 

It is suggested by the Committee that an exhibit including pos- 
sibly full-sized boats equipped for various types of marine 
service, and other large marine exhibits, may be located to advan- 
tage at or near the Philadelphia Navy Yard at League Island. 
It is probable that the United States Government, or the United 
States Shipping Board, would undertake to carry through a 
project of this kind. Undoubtedly a great proportion of our 
American visitors attending the Fair would welcome the oppor- 
tunity to visit such a display, as well as the Navy Yard, where 
a naval exhibit could also be included. This feature would un- 
doubtedly aid the Nation in the development of its merchant 
marine. 

The agricultural exhibit suggested should be a working edu- 
cational display of agricultural methods, as distinguished from 
the exhibit of agricultural products, which will probably be 
within the main Fair groups. It might include dairying; barns; 
agricultural apparatus in actual operation on the ground, includ- 
ing numerous contests of interest; live-stock of all varieties; plots 
devoted to the growth of food products of this and other coun- 
tries, with which the people are not commonly acquainted; etc. 
For this exhibit the rolling lands offered in suggested site regions 
in the northern sections of the City would no doubt be best, 
adapted. 

One of the material advantages of these suggestions rests in 
the fact that they would cause great numbers of the visitors to 
traverse the magnificent river drive in the Park, as well as north- 
ern and southern Broad street, and become impressed by the sub- 
stantial character, extent, and beauty of our great City. 



Northern Region. 

Considered for the main Exposition, the regions of the various 
sites to the north of. the City center have been rated second by the 
Committee. They include the Pennypack Park, upper Roose- 
velt Boulevard, lower Roosevelt Boulevard, Juniata and Tacony 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



Park, and Roxborough sites. For their location see the map in 
Plate II. In most cases these sites lend themselves, from the 
aesthetic standpoint, to beautiful development. They are roll- 
ing in character, and in general contain sufficient water to enable 
marine features to be added in landscaping. In these sites trans- 
portation can be arranged which will serve the needs of probable 
attendance at such locations, as can also the disposal of sewage 
and the supply of drinking and other water for exhibit purposes. 
They are of reasonably high elevation, and in that regard meet 
requirements regarding the comfort and health of visitors. The 
character of the ground would enable the necessary foundations 
for the Fair buildings to be constructed without excessive cost. 
The placing of the Fair at any one of these sites also would tend 
to the rapid development of the City near the Fair location. 

On the other hand, the sites are distant from the center of the 
City, and are as a result not as accessible, nor would they draw 
the attendance or make the concessions as valuable as in the 
case of a site in the Fairmount Park-Parkway region. 

The Committee's relative rating of the various sites named 
in this class and the detailed reasons for such ratings will be 
found in Appendix B. 

Southern Region. 

. The southern sites are in a region fitted to become a highly 
developed and valuable part of the City. They have many ad- 
vantages, but these are offset by certain conditions, having to 
do specifically with the time set for and the character of the 
Exposition, which have caused the Committee to rate them in 
a third group. They include two sites near League Island Park, 
and the United States Shipping Board, the Fortieth Ward, and 
Cannonball Farm sites. For their location see the map in 
Plate II. 

The southern League Island Park site has the great advantage 
of lying close to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which in itself is 
a national attraction of large value, and this site has a mag- 
nificent stretch of frontage on the Delaware River, as has also 
the United States Shipping Board location. The League Island 
site is not far removed from the center of the City, and could be 
reached without serious difficulty, although not as accessible from 
all quarters as is the Fairmount Park-Parkway region. 

All of these southern sites, however, would require large sums 
for grading to prepare them for the specific needs of the Exposi- 
tion, and in connection with this much time needed urgently for 
actual construction would be required to get the ground into 



condition to begin operations. They are not readily adapted to 
easy treatment from the aesthetic standpoint, because of their 
flat character, nor would they draw the attendance and income 
which would come to a site more centrally located, with better 
entrance from all parts of the City. 

The relative rating of the various sites in this group and other 
characteristics will be found in Appendix B. 

AVIATION AND CERTAIN OTHER ITEMS. 

Methods of transportation by air will without question be a 
matter of great importance, and there will undoubtedly be ex- 
tensive exhibits of apparatus relating to this modern develop- 
ment in the main part of the Exposition. There will doubtless 
also be much use of airplanes for the transportation of visitors 
from a distance. Air-field facilities have not, however, been con- 
sidered as a necessary part of a site by reason of the fact that 
it is believed wise to locate them at available and practicable 
points, preferably not contiguous to the Exposition grounds. 

On the other hand, the parking of automobiles close to and in 
the grounds, and arrangements for those who desire to camp out, 
have been given full consideration and weight in the findings, as 
have also many other requirements of a great exposition, such 
as handling the masses of people, easy transportation between 
buildings, etc., dealt with hereafter but not spoken of above. In 
like manner, in deciding matters relating to attendance and in- 
come, the value of concessions, etc., careful study has been made 
of the results obtained at other expositions. It was recognized 
by the Committee that the parking and handling of automobiles 
would be a large project and extended consideration was given it. 
Careful computation and study, however, led the Committee to 
the conclusion that all of the regions proposed would lend them- 
selves to a solution of this problem, if parking space was sub- 
divided and appropriately placed near all entrances and at con- 
venient points in the Fair grounds. 

A more full discussion of the findings of the Committee with 
regard to all of the sites studied will be found in Appendix B, 
which is a joint report of the chairmen of the subcommittees. 
The reports of the subcommittees themselves will be found in 
Appendices C, D, E and F, and go into greater detail with regard 
to special features, such as transportation; civil engineering sub- 
jects, including health and comfort; power and lighting service; 
communication; information concerning previous fairs; etc. 

A list of the proposed sites studied and reported upon in the 
appendices is found below: 



4 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



LIST OF SITES STUDIED. 

The sites which are named below and which were given con- 
sideration by the Engineers' Committee will be found on Plate II. 
With each designation is also given herein the approximate acre- 
age available and distances from City Hall. 

The following is the listing arranged in the groups dealt with 
heretofore: 

FAIRMOUNT PARK-PARKWAY REGION. 

Fairmount Park-Parkway Plan. 

May comprise such parts of the Park and Parkway above 
Vine street as needed; all City-owned except such private prop- 
erty as the City may find it wise to take along the Schuylkill 
river banks, or elsewhere, when the plans for the Exposition are 
drawn. Nearest point about two miles from City Hall. 

Lower Fairmount Park, or "Cret" Plan. 

214 acres; part City, part railroad, and part privately owned. 
Adjacent available property, 600 acres. Two miles from Citv 
Hall. 

Upper Fairmount Park (former Centennial Site). 
750 acres; all City-owned. Four miles from City Hall. 



NORTHERN REGION. 

Pennypack Site'* {three, in or adjacent to Pennypack Park). 

Site No. 1—2,000 acres; all City-owned. Site No. 2—7,000 
acres; 2,000 City-owned, 5,000 privately owned. Site No. 3 — 
1,000 acres; 500 City and 500 privately-owned. All sites approxi- 
mately ten miles from City Hall. 

Roxborough Plan. 

2,000 acres; all privately-owned. Nine miles from City Hall. 

Upper Roosevelt Boulevard Plan {west side of boidevard) .* 
1,000 acres, all privately-owned. Eight miles from City Hall. 

Lower Roosevelt Boulevard* 

700 acres; part privately and part City-owned. Six miles from 
City Hall. 



Juniata and Tacony Park Plan* 

600 acres; part City and part privately-owned, 
from City Hall. 



Five miles 



SOUTHERN REGION. 

League Island Park Plan. 

963 acres; 300 City, 559 railroad, and 104 privately-owned. 
Available adjacent acres, 669. Four miles from City Hall. 

Alternate League Island (immediately north of League Island 
Park Plan) . 

800 acres; all privately-owned. Three miles from City Hall. 

United States Shipping Board Plan (denominated on the map 
"Hog Island Plan") . 

846 acres; owned by the Federal Government. Available adja- 
cent property, 1,000 acres. Seven miles from City Hall. 

Cannonball Farm Plan. 

1,800 acres; part private and part City-owned. Six miles from 
City Hall. 

Fortieth Ward Plan (immediately north of Cannonball Farm). 
1,000 acres; all privately-owned. Five miles from City Hall. 

The individuals or organizations which have proposed these 
several sites will be found in a list contained in Appendix C. 
There will also be found reproductions of plans or views of the 
Lower Fairmount Park or Cret, League Island Park, Roxborough, 
Upper Fairmount Park, United States Shipping Board (or Hog 
Island), and Pennypack Park plans, in Plates V, VI, VII, VIII, 
IX, X. Plate I gives a map of the Fairmount Park-Parkway 
region. 

ELEMENTS AFFECTING AN INTERNATIONAL 
EXPOSITION. 

In order that the Committee might consider the problem of a 
territory of suitable characteristics and size for an international 
exposition it was essential that it gather information concerning 
previous fairs of similar character, and from this data, and by 
comparative studies of the conditions which exist in Philadelphia, 
set forth the fundamental conditions which must be met. Details 
concerning past fairs and local fundamental conditions may be 



♦Proponents later joined in recommending Pennypack region site. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee" of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



obtained by reference to Appendix C, and particularly to Plate 
IV, which comprises a tabulation of information concerning 
a number of previous expositions. 



BUILDINGS AND TERRITORY. 

From the study thus made it was decided that the following 
buildings or their equivalent will be essential to a proper 
presentation of the world advances which have been made dur- 
ing the past fifty years: Manufactures and Liberal Arts; Ma- 
chinery, including Electricity ; Mines, Metallurgy and Chemistry ; 
Transportation; Agriculture; Fisheries; Food Products; Horti- 
culture; Music, including an Auditorium; Art Gallaries; Educa- 
tion; Anthropology; United States Government Buildings; Ad- 
ministration Building; Pennsylvania Building; State Buildings; 
Foreign Buildings; Building Arts; Stadium and Drill Grounds; 
and necessary buildings for amusements. 

It was estimated that the main group of buildings of suitable 
size included above would require 100 acres of space, and that 
there would be other buildings incidental but necessary to the 
group which would increase the area to possibly 150 acres. The 
minimum space for properly setting these buildings, it was esti- 
mated, would require 150 acres more, or a total of 300 acres. To 
this area should be added from 300 to 500 acres additional to 
provide for various other services, which make a total of from 
GOO to 800 acres, as the estimated territory required. 

The 300 acres needed for the main group should be in one plot, 
and it is preferable to have the 600 to 800 acres together. 

In discussing the Fairmount Park-Parkway site, which received 
the highest rating from the Committee, 300 acres, with additional 
space for parking, athletic events, ethnological and zoological 
exhibits, etc., would doubtless answer the necessities of the case. 
If the auxiliary exhibits of marine transportation and agricul- 
tural methods are placed respectively at League Island and in 
the northern portions of the City, as suggested earlier, their re- 
quirements need not, of course, be included in the location for 
the main Exposition. It is altogether probable that it would be 
desirable, in preparing an exhibit of agricultural methods, to 
cover a comparatively wide territory. 

ATTENDANCE. 

The Exposition at Chicago is reported to have had a total of 
21,480,000; St. Louis, 12,804,000; San Francisco, 13,127,000; 
Paris, 1889, 25,398,000; Paris, 1900, 37,287,000 paid admissions. 



Reference to the tabulations on Plate IV will give the ratio of 
the local population to total paid admissions. 

The population within the boundaries of Philadelphia proper 
is about 1,800,000; within a radius of 25 miles from City Hall, 
2,500,000; within a radius of 50 miles from City Hall, 7,500,000, 
and within a radius of 400 miles, 37,300,000 (Plate III). 

A careful consideration of this and similar data has led the 
Committee to decide that an average attendance of about 200,000 
visitors per day should be anticipated in selecting a site. It is 
also believed that preparation should be made for daily variation 
of attendance ranging between a minimum of about 75,000 and a 
maximum of about 400,000. 

Judging by past expositions, and to use the assumption that 
the Fair will be open 200 days, it is estimated that it should be 
possible to make it so attractive as to obtain a total attendance 
comparable with that of the Paris Exposition of 1900. To the 
income derived from attendance will, of course, be added that 
received from concessions. In past expositions in America in- 
come derived from this source has varied from about 20 per 
cent, to as high as about 50 per cent, of the income from attend- 
ance. It should be understood that the attendance not only 
affects the income of the Fair directly, but has an important 
bearing upon the problems of transportation, acreage, cost, etc. 
(See Appendix C and Plate IV.) 

COST OF EXPOSITION. 

The cost and preparation of the site, and the further cost of 
erecting and operating the Exposition, are more or less inter- 
twined, and an intelligent estimate of the outlay which will be 
required is an essential consideration in determining a site. 

The following data with regard to the four largest world's 
fairs which have been held are valuable in this connection, but 
discussion is required because of varying methods of accounting. 

Chicago — Total cost of grounds and buildings, $18,678,000; 

gross outlay, $27,292,000. 
St. Louis — Total cost of grounds and buildings, $16,704,000; 

gross outlay, $26,464,000. 
San Francisco — Total cost of grounds and buildings, 

$14,847,000; gross outlay, $25,865,000. 
Paris, 1900— Gross outlay, $20,609,000. 

Your Committee has instructed us to consider a site for an 
exposition which will be distinguished for great perfection, and 
such an exposition will undoubtedly be expected by the people 



Report of the Sesqui-Ccntcnnial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



of the United States. Consideration, therefore, of the largely 
increased prices of materials and labor, and with the Chicago 
Exposition as a reasonable type as to the size and character of 
the project, indicates that the gross outlay may be fairly figured 
upon a basis materially larger than at that previous exposition. 
As a matter of incidental information, in connection with the 
above figures, the tabulation showing appropriations or subscrip- 
tions raised by Cities, States, and the Nation, for several exposi- 
tions in this country, as set forth in Appendix C, are of interest. 

OTHER FACTORS OF IMPORTANCE. 

In addition to area of territory, attendance and cost, there are 
many other features essential to the success of an international 
exposition which directly affect the selection of a site. Comments 
on and an analysis of the requirements of such an exposition will 
be found in Appendix C. The principal classifications under 
which these factors may be appropriately listed are: procura- 
bility of the site; accessibility, including its effect upon attend- 
ance and income; civil engineering features, including water sup- 
ply, sewage, topography, etc., and comfort and health; trans- 
portation, which is closely allied to accessibility, and is, of course, 
a subject of utmost importance, including not only the various 
types of transportation, and garaging and parking of vehicles, 
air-fields, etc., but also that of quickly disposing of crowds at 
entrances and on the grounds; power, light and communication; 
feeding and housing of visitors, which involves the matter of 
hotels, restaurants, apartment houses, boarding houses, etc.; and 
facilities for exhibits of wide variety of character and require- 
ments. 

Of no less importance are the subjects of aesthetics, as relating 
both to the beauty of the site and its picturesqueness, the views 
therefrom, and the views along the transportation routes and the 
immediate Fair surroundings ; the salvage which may be expected 
after the Fair, in the form of permanent buildings, parks, bridges, 
monuments, waterlines, etc.; and a number of items such as the 
permanent effect upon the valuation and growth of the City, the 
attitude of the people toward the Exposition, etc. 



METHODS. 

The Engineers' Committee, as a whole called the General Com- 
mittee, was divided into Subcommittees on Statistics ; Civil Engi- 
neering; Transportation; Power and Light; Central Station 
Service; Communication; Liaison with the Philadelphia Real 
Estate Board and the Philadelphia Chapter of the American 
Institute of Architects; Public Information; Scope; and Correla- 
tion. An Executive Committee, including the subcommittee 
chairmen, had general supervision. 

To the subcommittees were assigned the appropriate divi- 
sions of the work — indicated in the preceding section of this re- 
port — and their membership was constituted as before stated, 
with particular reference to the experience necessary to wisely 
weigh the various factors involved. 

Each subcommittee gave thorough study to the portions of the 
project assigned to it, placing, where this was possible, numerical 
weights upon each element for the several sites, in order that 
accurate comparisons might be made, and followed this detailed 
study by a careful summation of its findings. The subcommittee 
reports having to do with divisions of the work were carefully 
considered by the Correlation Committee, which was composed 
of subcommittee chairmen, and after weighing the data and in- 
formation at hand the findings reported herein, and at somewhat 
greater detail in Appendix B, were determined upon. Through- 
out the task there were frequent working meetings of the Execu- 
tive and General Committees. The organization and subcom- 
mittee reports, heretofore indicated to be part of this report, 
are to be found in Appendices B, C, D, E and F. 

Respectfully submitted, 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE OF THE 
ENGINEERS' CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA. 

By JOHN PRICE JACKSON, 

Chairman. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



APPENDIX A 



AUTHORIZATION, ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL 



PART I. 

LETTER OF REQUEST FROM THE EXECUTIVE 

COMMITTEE OF THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL 

EXHIBITION ASSOCIATION. 

December 7, 1921. 

Mr. William F. James, President, 
The Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
1317 Spruce Street, Philadelphia. 

Dear Mr. James: The by-laws of the Sesqui-Centennial Ex- 
hibition Association vest in its Board of Directors the selection 
of a site for the Exposition. Consideration of the subject of 
site will be primarily by the Executive Committee. At a meeting 
of the Executive Committee on Tuesday, December 6th, I was 
instructed to request the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia to sub- 
mit to the Committee suggestions as to the site recommended by 
it. A similar request is being made to the Philadelphia Chapter 
of the American Institute of Architects and to the Philadelphia 
Real Estate Board. The Committee feels that your advice in 
this matter will aid materially in this great enterprise. The very 
gracious and practical way in which your organization has 
already shown its interest in the cause of the Exhibition prompts 
us to feel justified in making this request. 

Trusting that you will give the Executive Committee the bene- 
fit of your counsel, I am.' 

Very sincerely yours, 

EDWARD ROBINS, 

Secretary, pro. tern. 



PART II. 
TENTATIVE PLAN OF PROCEDURE. 

STATEMENT PREPARED BY THE PRESIDENT, WILLIAM F. JAMES, AND 

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PHILADELPHIA 

ENGINEERS' CLUB ON DECEMBER 13, 1922. 

December 1J+. 

Address attached notice to all members of the Club. 

December 15. 

Meeting of Executive Committee for organization and 
establishing responsibilities for the several subcommittees. 

First period to 

SUBCOMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES. 

Statistics. 

Secure and tabulate complete statistics concerning pre- 
vious world expositions and such other data as may be de- 
termined upon at the organization meeting. Prepare such 
maps, charts, etc., as may be required, including the master 
map of the City which is to be located in the main loung- 
ing room of the Clubhouse and to show clearly the areas 
considered as available for exposition purposes, indicating 
the City-owned properties and data submitted by the Real 
Estate Board. 

Civil Engineering. 

Without regard to specific sites to be considered later, 
formulate the fundamental requirements in the matter of 
topography, character of ground, water supply, sewerage, etc. 

Liaison. 

Real Estate Advisory — Secure for the use of the Statistics 
Committee such information as is necessary concerning areas 
considered as available by the Real Estate Board and in 
general become acquainted with the procedure of the Com- 
mittee of that Board. 

Architectural Advisory— Secure for the Committee as a 
whole the architectural requirements upon which the Com- 
mittee of the Philadelphia Chapter, American Institute of 



B'\ 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



Architects may base its recommendations as to site, also 
such technical data as may be required by the Civil Engi- 
neering Subcommittee. 



Executive. 



Assure activity and consider the various proposals and 
suggestions made by the Club membership at large. 

Second period to 



SUBCOMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES. 

Statistics, Liaison and Executive. 

Continue as during first period and take such action as 
developments indicate to be desirable. 

Civil Engineering. 

Investigate the specific areas which have been found avail- 
able and rate them in accordance with the degree to which 
each approaches the fundamental requirements as previously 
determined during the first period. 

Transportation. 

Consider the specific areas which have been found avail- 
able and rate them in accordance with their conformation to 
existing and expected natural growth of transportation facili- 
ties, also by the extent of temporary facilities required to 
make such areas available from the transportation point of 
view. 

Power Plant. 

Consider and rate the specific areas under consideration 
from two angles, first assuming use of central station power 
and second on the basis of isolated plant. A further rating 
should be possible, assuming combined central station and 
isolated plant service. Ratings should, as in the case of 
transportation, be in accordance with the conformation of 
the various areas to existing and expected natural growth 
of power facilities, also by the extent of temporary facilities 



required to make such areas available from the power re- 
quirement point of view. 

Third period to 



FINAL DUTIES. 

General consideration of all subcommittees, reports, sugges- 
tions by members and the preparation of a final report to be 
submitted to the Executive Committee of the Sesqui-Centennial 
Exhibition Association after final approval as to form and ade- 
quacy by the Board of Directors of the Club. 

AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNUSUAL INTEREST. 

The Club is happily confronted with an opportunity to render 
a distinct public service in the preliminary planning of the Sesqui- 
Centennial celebration which will soon let loose industry and 
during 1926 bring the world to Philadelphia. 

As individuals we have ofttimes deplored the apparent lack 
of action in connection with this great project. Now action is 
waiting upon us, as the Executive Committee of the Sesqui-Cen- 
tennial Exposition Association has requested the Club to assist 
it with engineering advice in the selection of a suitable site upon 
which to proceed with what will be the greatest of expositions. 

In order that all our members may have an opportunity to 
assist in maintaining this advanced position the Club has taken 
in public affairs a large map of Philadelphia and adjacent terri- 
tory has been placed upon the wall of the main lounge room of 
the Clubhouse and as quickly as possible all the areas considered 
available as sites will be clearly indicated. Exposition statistics 
will be added from time to time as made available. 

You are asked to make it a matter of definite obligation to 
get into the Club frequently to study the situation and talk it 
over, then put your thoughts and suggestions into writing, not 
only as regards site but concerning the general scope, plan and 
desirable features of the Exposition. You are assured the Club 
committees on the Sesqui-Centennial will consider all such assist- 
ance and suggestions in preparing its report. 

Prompt action is essential and all communications should be 
addressed to Mr. C. E. Billin, Secretary, The Engineers' Club 
of Philadelphia. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



PART III. 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 
ENGINEERS' CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA. 

(Appointed by W. F. James, the President of the Club) 

GENERAL COMMITTEE. 

(The list below includes the full membership of the General 
Committee and its division into subcommittees) 

John Price Jackson, Chairman. 

MEMBERS-AT-LAEGE. 

J. A. Steinmetz. D. Robt. Yarnall. 

Joseph C. Wagner. Robt. H. Fernald. 

Chas. Penrose. W. P. Dallett. 
S. M. Swaab. 

STATISTICS. 

Wm. P. Parker, Ch'n. A. W. Crawford. 

W. L. Plack. C. B. Fairchild, Jr. 

W. H. Sanford. 

CIVIL ENGINEERING. 

Benjamin Franklin, Ch'n. Walter F. Ballinger. 

John Meigs. M. Ward Easby. 

Norman L. Stamm. R. A. Prendergast. 

J. A. Vogleson. A. R. Lindsey. 

J. C. Wagner. 

TRANSPORTATION. 

E. B. Temple, Ch'n. R. H. Horton. 

Samuel T. Wagner. S. A. Sloan. 

W. S. Twining. Henry H. Quimby. 

POWER AND LIGHT. 

Clayton W. Pike, Ch'n. A. C. Wood. 

Benj. P. Foster. Wm. J. Serrill. 



CENTRAL STATION SERVICE. 

W. C. L. Eglin. 

COMMUNICATION. 

J. L. Kilpatrick, 

REAL ESTATE LIAISON. 

John Meigs. D. E. Dallam. 

ARCHITECTURAL LIAISON. 

D. Knickerbocker Boyd. John T. Windrim. 

PUBLIC INFORMATION. 

H. F. Sanville. 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

John Price Jackson, Ch'n. 
William P. Parker. 
Benjamin Franklin. 
E. B. Temple. 
Clayton W. Pike. 
W. C. L. Eglin. 
J. L. Kilpatrick. 
J. A. Steinmetz. 



Joseph C. Wagner. 
Chas. Penrose. 
S. M. Swaab. 
D. Robt, Yarnall. 
Robt. H. Fernald. 
W. P. Dallett. 
John Meigs. 
D. K. Bovd. 



CORRELATION COMMITTEE. 

William P. Parker, Ch'n. Clayton W. Pike. 

Benjamin Franklin. J. L. Kilpatrick. 

E. B. Temple. 

SCOPE COMMITTEE. 

William P. Parker, Ch'n. Clayton W. Pike. 

E. B. Temple. 



10 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



APPENDIX B 



REPORT OF CORRELATION COMMITTEE FINDINGS 



January 21, 1922. 
Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

To the Chairman: 

The following is a condensed report on the selection of the 
Sesqui-Centennial site by your Correlation Committee. 

We have taken the reports of the various subcommittees and 
combined them, giving the relative weights to the various items 
as authorized by instructions from the General Committee and 
in accordance with the following tables: 

Per Cent. Reported on by 

Procurability 13.0 Real Estate Board. 

Aesthetics 12.0 American Institute of Architects. 

Accessibility and Trans- 
portation 18.0 Transportation Committee, Engineers' 

Club. 

Cost and Salvage 10.5 All committees, Engineers' Club. 

Health (Water Supply, 

Sewerage, Topography) 9.0 Civil Engineering Committee, Engineers' 

Club. 
Comfort 9.0 Civil Engineering Committee, Engineers' 

Club. 
Housing and Feeding ... 9.0 Real Estate Board. 
Size 4.5 Real Estate Board, American Institute 

of Architects, Engineers' Club. 
Facilities for Exhibitors.. 4.5 Scope Committee, Engineers' Club. 
Power and Light 3.5 Power and Light Committee, Engineers' 

Club. 
Communication 2.0 Communication Committee, Engineers' 

Club. 
Miscellaneous 5.0 All committees, Engineers' Club. 

Total 100.0 

The result of our investigation places the various sites in three 
groups in the order of their desirability, viz.: Group No. 1, or 
Fairmount Park sites; Group No. 2, or Northern sites; and Group 
No. 3, or Southern sites. 



GROUP NO. 1. 

Group No. 1 includes three sites: 1 — Fairmount Park-Park- 
way. 2 — Upper Fairmount Park (former Centennial Site). 3 — 
Lower Fairmount Park or Cret Plan (see Plate II). 

The results of our investigation indicate that this group is 
first in the order of merit. 

From the standpoint of procurability this group presents no 
difficulties, except in the case of the Original Cret Plan, which 
presents legal difficulties and delay in securing the property 
below Vine street on both banks of the Schuylkill. 

The sites in this group are the most beautiful of all sites con- 
sidered, the Upper Park Site being slightly less desirable in this 
respect, as it cannot offer such attractive settings as the Fair- 
mount Park-Parkway Plan or the Original Cret Site, both of 
which can be developed on both sides of the river. 

This group is the most accessible of all groups and should 
attract the largest attendance. There is a slight advantage, how- 
ever, in the Fairmount Park-Parkway Site from the standpoint 
of transportation and accessibility, due to the fact that the Fair 
is substantially developed on both sides of the river. The Fair- 
mount Park-Parkway Plan and the Original Cret Site have the 
advantage of the Parkway. 

There is no cost in connection with acquiring the Fairmount 
Park-Parkway and the Upper Fairmount Park Sites, as they are 
entirely under Park ownership or control; while with the Lower 
Fairmount Park or Original Cret Site the lower banks of the 
Schuylkill are on private property, the cost of which would be 
very heavy. Leaving out of consideration for the moment the 
banks of the Schuylkill below Vine street in the Original Cret 
Site, there are no expenses in connection with the preliminary fill 
and no serious foundation problems, such as exist in Group No. 3. 
However, referring to the banks of the Schuylkill below Vine 
street in the Original Cret Plan there are some very difficult, 
intricate and expensive engineering problems involved before 
building _ construction can begin, such as elimination of sewage, 
expense in covering the tracks on the east side, heavy river wall 
construction, relocation of tracks on the west side, and costly 
foundation construction. 

The salvage in permanent structures in all three of these sites 
is the_ highest of all the sites considered, being greater particu- 
larly in the two sites which include a portion of the Parkway. 

In the question of health and comfort, these sites are equal to 
Group No. 2 and superior to Group No. 3, except that portion 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



11 



of the Original Cret Site low-lying along the banks of the Schuyl- 
kill river. 

The housing and feeding problems for this group present fewer 
difficulties than is the case with either of the other groups. 

On the question of size and ability to expand, the Fairmount 
Park-Parkway Site and the Upper Fairmount Park site are 
ample. This is not the case with the Original Cret Plan, which 
is not of sufficient size to develop an exposition of its probable 
extent and scope, or to handle satisfactorily the crowds which 
may be expected. 

From the standpoint of power, lighting and communication, 
this group of sites ranks first, being less costly than in any other 
group, and in this connection the Fairmount Park-Parkway and 
the Original Cret Plan are comparatively superior to the Upper 
Fairmount Park Plan. 

This group offers superior opportunities for visiting historical 
places, and the City retail district; and placing the Fair at one of 
these sites will doubtless hasten the development of the Parkway 
and greatly increase present and future tourist traffic. 

Of this group of sites the Fairmount Park-Parkway Plan pre- 
sents the greatest advantages, followed by the Upper Fairmount 
Park Site and the Original Cret Plan in the order named. 

It might be thought that there would be possible injury to 
the appearance of the Park, due to the selection of a site within 
it, although a careful topographical survey will reduce this possi- 
bility to a minimum and the ultimate appearance of the Park 
will be improved rather than injured. 

GROUP NO. 2. 

Group No. 2 includes the following sites: Pennypack, Roxbor- 
ough, Tacony and Juniata Park, Lower Roosevelt Boulevard, 
Upper Roosevelt Boulevard. (Plate II.) 

This group is second in order of merit. 

These sites are all procurable. 

While the country is rolling and naturally attractive, and in 
this respect better than the sites in Group No. 3, they are con- 
siderably inferior to Group No. 1, particularly to the Fairmount 
Park-Parkway Plan and the Original Cret Site, which are bal- 
anced along both sides of the Schuylkill. 

The sites in this group are less accessible and the transporta- 
tion difficulties are greater than in Group No. 1. 

As to cost, these sites are all unimproved properties and the 



amount of damage by destruction of existing buildings will be 
small. There will be required but very little preliminary filling 
and there are no serious difficulties as to foundations, such as 
occur in Group No. 3 and in the Original Cret Site of Group 
No. 1. 

With the exception of Juniata and Tacony Park, from the 
standpoint of health and public comfort these sites are equal to 
any. 

In regard to housing and feeding, this group does not provide 
facilities equal to those in Group No. 1. 

As to size and ability to expand, the sites are all satisfactory 
Of this Group No. 2, Pennypack Park and Roxborough present 
the greatest advantages. 

GROUP NO. 3. 

Group No. 3 includes the following sites: Alternate League 
Island Park, Hog Island, League Island Park, Fortieth Ward and 
Cannonball Farm. (Plate II.) 

This group is third in order of merit. 

All of these sites are readily procurable, with the possible ex- 
ception of the original League Island Park Site, which latter 
interferes with the Philadelphia agreement between the City and 
the railroads. 

Three of the sites in question have an advantage because of 
being on the Delaware river. However, in general, all the five 
sites of this group are low, flat tracts, and while an exposition 
could be made architecturally attractive on any of them it would 
be at a cost very much greater than is the case with the sites 
in either Group No. 1 or 2. 

The impression on visitors in approaching any one of these 
sites would be much less favorable than is the case with the sites 
in the other two groups. 

From the standpoint of accessibility and transportation this 
group is superior to Group No. 2, and for some of the sites is 
equal to Group No. 1. 

In considering the cost in connection with these sites Hog 
Island (United States Shipping Board) has some advantages, 
due to existing development. However, all the sites of this group 
require very expensive preliminary fill as well as special pile 
foundations; these two items alone for any one of these sites 
require an expenditure of millions of dollars. 

These sites are least advantageous from the standpoint of 



12 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



health and comfort because of the proximity of low-lying land, 
resulting in a greater humidity and heat and the annoyance of 
mosquitoes during the summer months when the Exposition will 
be held. 

This group provides facilities for housing and feeding better 
perhaps than Group No. 2, but not equal to Group No. 1. 

From the standpoint of size and ability to expand these sites 
are all satisfactory. 

Of this group of sites Alternate League Island Park and Hog 
Island present the greatest advantages. 

REMARKS. 

It is suggested that if in the judgment of the Sesqui-Centennial 
authorities an outdoor agricultural exhibit or a naval and marine 
exhibit is considered advisable these exhibits may be given at 
locations separate from the main Exposition. 



CONCLUSION. 

This condensed report is, of course, general in nature, and we 
would refer to the reports of the subcommittee on Statistics, 
Civil Engineering, Transportation, Power and Light, Communi- 
cation, Scope, etc., for additional information and details not 
contained herein. We would also recommend a careful study 
of the illustrations and tables. 

Respectfully submitted, 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 

E. B. TEMPLE, 

CLAYTON W. PIKE, 

J. L. KILPATRICK, 

WILLIAM P. PARKER, Chairman, 

Correlation Committee. 






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Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



13 



APPENDIX C 



REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS 

AND SCOPE 

TABULATIONS AND FAIR REQUIREMENTS 



Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

To the Chairman: 

Your Subcommittee on Statistics was assigned the following 
program of work: 

"Secure and tabulate comparative statistics concerning 
previous world expositions and such other data as may be 
determined upon at the organization meeting. 

"Prepare such maps, charts, etc., as may be required, 
including the master map of the City, which is to be located 
in the main lounging room of the Clubhouse and to show 
clearly the areas considered as available for exposition pur- 
poses, indicating the City-owned properties and data sub- 
mitted by the Real Estate Board." 

Acting under these instructions we beg leave to submit the 
following: 

PREVIOUS WORLD'S EXPOSITIONS. 

STATISTICS ON 16 AMERICAN AND FOREIGN EXPOSITIONS. 

Through the courtesy of both the Philadelphia Chapter, Ameri- 
can Institute of Architects, and the Real Estate Board, and from 
information that we were able to obtain from public libraries 
and other sources we submit the attached table, giving general 
information covering twelve American and four foreign world's 
expositions. The information covering such points as the year 
held; number of days open; paid admissions; average daily paid 
attendance; total attendance, free and paid; greatest day and 
ratios for these items ; also percentage daily paid attendance vs. 

3 



population in terms of local population, and population within 
25-mile radius and 50-mile radius; areas in acres of grounds and 
buildings ; gross expenditure, grounds and buildings ; gross outlay ; 
admission and concession averages in cents; and subscriptions 
and receipts. 

A careful study of these tables will undoubtedly be productive 
of good results (see Plate IV). 



MAPS, CHARTS AND SUGGESTED SITES. 

In accordance with your instructions the Committee has made 
use of the master map and also additional maps and charts; all 
have been placed on the walls in the Engineers' Club lobby. 
Our source of information as to the location of available sites 
has been primarily the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Real 
Estate Board; and afterwards, as a result of letters written to 
the several parties interested in various sites, general informa- 
tion on all sites. The master map has been considered the neu- 
tral map, on which has been placed in proper scale all the vari- 
ous sites submitted, with information as to distances, transpor- 
tation, geographical features, etc. 

Space has been given on the lobby walls for any exhibits 
within reason which any of the parties interested in the different 
sites cared to submit. Also these various parties have supplied 
your Committee very freely with information and details as 
to the advantages and disadvantages of these various sites. 

A reproduction of the large master map on the wall of the 
Engineers' Club is shown in Plate II. 

The following reproductions of plans of some of the sites which 
have been displayed on the walls of the Engineers' Club and 
which were submitted by those interested in these particular 
sites, are shown on the plates noted: 

Lower Fairmount Park, or Cret Plan (Plate V) . 

League Island Park Plan (Plate VIII). 

Roxborough Plan (Plate VII). 

Upper Fairmount Park — former Centennial (Plate VI). 

Hog Island Plan — United States Shipping Board (Plate 

X). . 

Pennypack Park Plan (Plate IX). 

A reproduction of a plan of Philadelphia and the surround- 
ing territory, showing population within a 25-mile 
radius, 50-mile radius, 150-mile radius and 400-mile 
radius (Plate III). 



14 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



The following sites are noted on the master map ; the distances 
being measured to the center of the sites, not to the nearest 
entrance. 

No. 1 — Penny-pack Park Site No. 1 (covering park only). 
Indorsed by Holmesburg Improvement Association. 
Approximately 2,000 acres, all City-owned. Ten miles 
from City Hall. 

No. 2 — Penny-pack Park Site No. 2. Indorsed by Frankford 
Board of Trade. 7,000 acres; 2,000 City-owned, 5,000 
privately-owned. Ten miles from City Hall. 

No. 3 — Pennypack Park Site No. 3. Indorsed by Tacony 
Manufacturer's Association. 1,000 acres; 500 City, 500 
privately-owned. Ten miles from City Hall. 

No. 4 — Upper Roosevelt Boulevard (west side of boulevard) . 
Indorsed by Albright & Mebus. 1,000 acres, all pri- 
vately owned. Eight miles from City Hall. 

No. 5 — Lower Roosevelt Boulevard (west side of boulevard) . 
700 acres, part privately and part City-owned. Six 
miles from City Hall. 

No. 6 — Juniata and Tacony Park Plan. 600 acres, part 
City and part privately-owned. Five miles from Citv 
Hall. 

No. 7 — Roxborough Plan. Indorsed by DeArmond, Ash- 
meed & Bickley. 2,000 acres, all privately -owned. Nine 
miles from City Hall. 

No. 8 — Upper Fairmount Park (former Centennial Site) . In- 
dorsed by Albright & Mebus. 750 acres, all City-owned. 
Four miles from City Hall. 

No. 9 — Lower Fairmount Park or Cret Plan. Indorsed by 
Fairmount Park Art Association. 214 acres, part City, 
part railroad and part privately-owned. Available ad- 
jacent property, 600 acres. Two miles from City Hall. 

No. 10 — League Island Park Plan. Indorsed by Joseph M. 
Huston. 963 acres, being 300 City, 559 railroad and 104 
private. Available adjacent acreage, 659. Four miles 
from City Hall. 



No. 11— Alternate League Island Park Plan (immediately 
north of League Island Park Plan) . 800 acres, all pri- 
vate. Three miles from City Hall. 

No. 12 — 40th Ward or Cannonball Farm Plan. 1,800 acres, 
part privately and part City-owned. Six miles from 
City Hall. 

No. 13 — 40th Ward Plan (immediately north of Cannonball 
Farm). Offered through the Real Estate Board. 1,000 
acres, all privately-owned. Five miles from City Hall. 

No. 14 — United State Shipping Board (Hog Island) Plan. 
Indorsed by W. L. Plack, C. F. Neff and Victor Wier- 
man. 846 acres, owned by Federal Government. Avail- 
able adjacent property 1,000 acres. Seven miles from 
City Hall. 

There is no significance in the numbers or the order given 
above, the sites being merely followed in a general way from 
north to south. 

A visual scale of acreage has been placed on the master map, 
which will give direct comparison in an approximate way of the 
areas of the various sites. 

PROBABLE ATTENDANCE. 

The attendance at the Sesqui-Centennial can undoubtedly 
be fairly well approximated by comparison with previous expo- 
sitions, particularly in connection with the population as well 
as the different radii about the centers of the expositions, as 
these populations seem to bear a direct ratio to the attendance 
at the expositions. 

For this comparison, the following information will be of use: 

Philadelphia proper 1,800,000 

District radius, 25 miles from City Hall 2,500,000 

District radius, 50 miles from City Hall 7,500,000 

(See reproduction following page 18) 

Judging by the record of past expositions, the average daily 
attendance bears a direct ratio to the local population. This 
general average is approximately 10 per cent. Assuming that 
the population of Philadelphia proper in 1926 will undoubtedly 
reach 2,000,000 people, this would indicate an average daily 
attendance of 200,000, probably varying between a minimum 
of 90,000 to 100,000 and a maximum of 400,000. Judging by 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



15 



past history and future hopes the Exposition will probably last 
200 days, so that this would make a total paid attendance of 
40,000,000 people. This figure has a direct bearing on the con- 
sideration of transportation, acreage, cost and other matters. 

In connection with the question of attendance, we might state 
that the Sesqui-Centennial Site, to wit, Philadelphia, is the 
center of a much denser population than any exposition that 
has ever been held before in America. In addition to the above 
2,000,000 population in the City proper there is at present in a 
radius of 400 miles, or one night's ride to Philadelphia, a popula- 
tion of 37,300,000, or practically one-third of the population of 
the entire United States. 



AREA OF PROPOSED SITE. 

A careful study of the table of previous expositions will show 
that the areas of the different expositions bear no direct relation 
either to the cost or the attendance, but that the relation between 
open area and area occupied — or in other words, the extent to 
which the Exposition is intensively developed — is really the de- 
termining feature. 

As a matter of information, quoting the report of the Scope 
Committee, they are of the opinion that the Exposition should 
have a total acreage of from 600 to 800 acres, based on the 
following assumptions and having particular reference to two 
of the most recent expositions, to wit: the 1900 Fair in Paris 
and the San Francisco Exposition in 1915, reports of which are 
attached. 

That the main Exposition buildings will probably occupy 100 
acres of ground. That the incidental buildings adjacent and 
necessary will occupy 50 acres of ground; and that the 150 acres 
of buildings will require a minimum of 150 acres additional for 
proper setting, or a total of 300 acres; and that, in addition to 
this, from 300 to 500 acres more — covering such other purposes 
as stadium and athletic events, outdoor agriculture, etc., or a 
grand total of 600 to 800 acres. 

The facility for parking automobiles is an important consider- 
ation and tracts of ground totalling from 100 to 150 acres would 
seem to be necessary adjacent to the Exposition. Much of the 
parking will likely be distributed through the Exposition grounds 
and at the several entrances. 



PROBABLE COST. 

On the question of cost, past experience in connection with 
the table of statistics furnished (Plate IV) will give a very good 
estimate of the cost of this Exposition, provided that no new 
features are added or contemplated. However, we all know that 
the Sesqui-Centennial will have many of the old features enlarged 
and many features which were in no way covered by previous 
expositions. These require consideration, not only as to the cost 
but as to area, transportation and other features. 

All we can do at this time is to refer in a general way to the 
cost of other expositions, considering the choice of site from 
the standpoint only as to whether the cost is prohibitive in each 
individual case, being guided by such facts as the following: 

Chicago — Total cost of grounds and buildings, $18,678,000; 
gross outlay, $27,292,000. 

St. Louis — Total cost of grounds and buildings, $16,704,000; 
gross outlay, $26,564,000. 

San Francisco — Total cost of grounds and buildings, 

$14,847,000; gross outlay, $25,865,000. 
Paris, 1900— Gross outlay, $20,609,000. 

In considering the above figures of cost in connection with the 
question of site, two things must be borne in mind: First, the 
difference in the market value of labor, material and real estate 
then and now; and second, that the net cost bears a very decided 
relation to the gross cost. In other words, while the gross cost 
must be raised, if it can be shown that there is a good salvage 
value or that the net cost is less than the gross, it will be much 
easier to raise the gross. 

We understand from the newspapers that City Council will 
probably pass an appropriation for $5,000,000, possibly followed 
by a similar amount from the State and more from the Nation 
and people. (See Plate IV, following page 18, and tables on 
page 16.) 

Respectfully submitted, 
W. L. PLACK, 
WM. H. SANFORD, 
ANDREW WRIGHT CRAWFORD, 
C. B. FAIRCHILD, Jr., 
WM. P. PARKER, Chairman, 

Statistical Committee. 



16 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



EXHIBIT, DATA REGARDING APPROPRIATIONS, 

EXPENSES, ATTENDANCE, ETC., OF PAST 

WORLD'S FAIRS. 

PHILADELPHIA-INTERNATIONAL CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION 

May 10, 1876. 

National Appropriation $2,183,184.59 

City Appropriation 1,500,000.00 

State Appropriation 1,500,000.00 

Private Subscription 2,300,000.00 

Attendance (total) 9,910,966 

Attendance (paid) 8,004,274 

Cost 8,500,000.00 

CHICAGO— WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION. 

May 1 to October 30, 1893. 

National Appropriation $5,840,329.64 

State Appropriation 800,000.00 

City Appropriation 5,000,000.00 

Capital Stock 5,000,000.00 

Miscellaneous Contributions 3,000,000.00 

Attendance (total) 27,539,041 

Attendance (paid) 21,480,141 

ST. LOUIS, MO.— LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION. 

April 30 to December 1, 1904. 

National Appropriation $11,122,500.00 

State Appropriation 1,000,000.00 

City Appropriation 5,000,000.00 

St. Louis Citizens' Subscriptions 5,000,000.00 

Attendance (total) 19,694,855 

Attendance (paid) 12,804,616 



PAN-PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION. 

Total Cost of Plant (grounds, buildings) $ 

(a) Eleven Palaces, 64 acres, 2,795,065 square feet, @ $1.57. . 

(b) California Building, 232,368 square feet, and Motor 

Transportation Building, extra. 
Per cent, aisles, columns, convenience space, 33 1/3. 

Site 

Preparation of Site, Sewers, etc 

Principal Buildings, (a) and (b) above, plus others 

Mechanical and Electrical $474,000 

Fire Protection— Sprinkler 129,000 

F. A. System, Police Alarm 58,000 



14,847.607 
4,382,559 



1,000,000 
2,000.000 
5,638,000 



661,000 



Decoration 

Gardens 

Forces up to opening — 600 days: 

Working, Exposition — men-days 468,353 

Administrative and Professional, Exposition 182,194 

Contractors and Exhibitors 1,457,096 



1,800,000 
.600,000 



Maximum force — men 



Eight gates, 84 turnstiles 
privilege extra. 
Revenue : 

Admissions, all kinds 

Admissions, Maximum Day (closing) 

Admissions, San Francisco Day 

Admissions, Opening Day 

Admissions, Labor Day 

Admissions, July 4th 



2,107,643 
Zone, -| mile. Space for exhibits free. Selling 



15,026 



Concessions : 

Total : 

Exposition received 21 per cent, average (including ex- 
hibitors' sales— $126,884) 



$4,715,000 
459,000 
348,000 
255,000 
144,000 
190,000 

57,497,000 
1,830,000 



Condensed General Statement of Receipts and Disbursements to 
December 31, 1919* 
Receipts: 

Public Subscriptions $5,716,320.00 

State of California Subscriptions 4,941,556.26 

Municipal Aid, City and County of San Francisco 5,000,000 00 

Mortgage Note Loan 1,112,500.00 

Admission Revenue 4,983,610.60 

Concession Revenue 1,599,360.27 

Miscellaneous Income and Expense Abatements '. 2'884,'257.17 

Salvage 940,460 84 



Total Receipts $27,178,065.14 

Disbursements: 

Exposition Development and Construction $18,452,616.72 

Exposition Operation and Maintenance •. 4,979,307.11 

Mortgage Note Loan l,'ll2]50o!oO 

Closure and Site Restoration Expense 1,321,490.55 



Total Disbursements $25,865,914.38 



Balances : 



Pre-Exposition Deficit $1,381,227.43 

Exposition Operating Surplus 2,865,351 .68 

Net Closing Cost over Salvage 171^973.49 

Final Surplus I,312]l5076 



The data given below were furnished by the Congressional Library at Washington, which is a different source from that given above. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



17 



Miscellaneous: 

Total Attendance 18,413,399 

Average Daily Attendance 62,000 

Number of Exhibitors 80,000 

Value of Exhibits $350,000,000.00 

Operating Surplus of Exposition Period 2,571 ,807.79 

Estimated Net Profit on Closing 1,195,169.89 

Estimated Final New Profit 1,040,000.00 



PARIS EXPOSITION— 1900. 

Superficial area 279 acres* 

Building area 111J acres, 40 per cent, of area 

French Section (buildings) 2,891,000 square feet, 60 per cent. 

Foreign Section (buildings) 1,829,880 square feet, 40 per cent. 

Total 4,520,880 square feet 

Receipts $22,800,000 

Expenses $23,300,000 

Funds granted: 

By French Government (at 5 francs per dollar) $4,000,000 

City of Paris 4,000,000 

Bond Issue 12,000,000 

Bonds of 20 francs each issued. 

Receipts from Restaurant and Amusement Permits $1,772,880 

Total Admissions 47,000,000 

*Note — The above acreage does not include that of the Pare de Vin- 
cennes (usually cited), as this was far removed from the exposition proper, 
but does include the Trocadero. 



FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR EXPOSITIONS 

1876. Philadelphia, Pa $2,183,184.50 

1880. Yorktown, Va 172,328.92 

1881. Louisville, Ky 10,000.00 

1884. New Orleans, La 1,650,000.00 

1888. Cincinnati, Ohio 157,750.00 

1893. Chicago, Ills 5,840,329.00 

1895. Atlanta, Ga 200,000.00 

1897. Nashville, Tenn 130,000.00 

1898. Omaha, Neb 240,000.00 

1899. Buffalo, N. Y 1,015,000.00 

1901. Charleston, S. C 250,000.00 

1904. St. Louis, Mo 11,122,500.00 

1905. Portland, Oregon 485,000.00 

1907. Jamestown, Va 2,650,000.00 

1909. Seattle, Wash 600,000.00 

1915. San Francisco, Cal 1,174,000.00 

(Information gathered by the Congressional Library for the Sesqui-Cen- 
tennial Committee of the Engineers' Club.) 



REPORT OF THE SCOPE COMMITTEE 

January 14, 1922. 
Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

To the Chairman: 

Your Special Committee on Scope, to which was referred the 
matter of size, scope and type desirable for the Sesqui-Centennial 
Exposition, have considered these matters to the best of their 
ability and beg to report their conclusions as follows: 

That this Exposition should be international in character 
and as complete as possible, covering in a general way every 
phase of what the world has done in the last fifty years, but 
that competent and courageous judges should be secured to pass 
on the different exhibits so as to avoid mediocrity and duplica- 
tion. In other words, the Fair should be open to every field of 
human endeavor but should contain only those things which 
have passed this jury of selection. 

The following is a general tentative list of buildings which will 
probably be needed: 

1 — Manufactures and Liberal Arts. 

2 — Machinery, including Electricity. 

3 — Mines, Metallurgy and Chemistry. 

4 — Transportation . 

5 — Agriculture. 

6 — Fisheries. 

7 — Food Products. 

8 — Music, including Auditorium. 

9 — Horticulture. 
10 — Art Galleries. 
11 — Education. 
12— Anthropology. 

13 — United States Government Building. 
14 — Administration Building. 
15 — Pennsylvania Building. 
16 — State Buildings. 
17 — Foreign Buildings. 
18 — Building Arts. 
19 — Stadium and Drill Ground. 
20 — Necessary Buildings for Amusements. 



18 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



In regard to size it would seem that the main group of build- 
ings would require 100 acres of space and that other buildings, 
incidental but necessary to this group, would require 50 acres 
of space, and that this 150 acres of buildings would require as a 
minimum space for proper setting 150 acres more, or a total of 
300 acres, and that from 300 to 500 acres additional would be 
required for other purposes, making a total requirement for the 
Exposition of from 600 to 800 acres; and also it is our opinion 
that this site of 600 to 800 acres should preferably be all in one 
tract. The 300 acres above mentioned and as much more as 
possible must necessarily be in one tract, with the balance of the 
acreage located as closely adjacent as possible. 
Respectfully submitted, 
(Signed) CLAYTON W. PIKE, 
E. B. TEMPLE, 
WILLIAM P. PARKER, Chairman. 

Scape Committee. 



REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SITE 

The following presentation of requirements of a site are drawn from a 
special report to the Committee made by Major Clayton W. Pike. 

Procurability, promptness of. 
Aesthetics: 



(a) 



(b) 
(O 



Natural beauty of site: 

1. View from. 

2. Picturesqueness — water in landscape. 

3. View towards, at night. 
Appearance along transportation routes. 
Appearance of immediate surroundings. 



Accessibility (which affects attendance). 
Transportation : 

By foot, rail, street railway, bus, jitney, automobile, water and air from 

different directions. 
Garaging and parking of vehicles. 
Air fields, take off and landing field. 
Hydroplane, take off and landing place. 

Cost and Salvage: 

(a) First cost: 

1. Land, buildings and equipment. 

2. Operation and maintenance. 

(b) Income from probable admissions. 

(c) Salvage: 

1. Permanent buildings, National, State, City, institutional. 

2. Permanent improvements, parks, squares, monuments, 

bridges, etc. 

3. Other permanent improvements. 



Health: 
(a) 

Ob) 

Comfort , 
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 



Water: 

1. For drinking. 

2. For other purposes. 

Sewage and drainage. 



Freedom from pests — mosquitoes. 
Freedom from excessive heat. 
Freedom from excessive dampness. 
Freedom from smells. 
Freedom from smoke. 



Housing and Feeding: 

(a) Hotels. 

(b) Restaurants. 

(c) Apartments. 

(d) Boarding houses. 

(e) Lodgings. 

(f) Garaging and repairs. 

(g) Feeding. 

Size : 

Ability to expand beyond first conception if interest warrants. 

Facilities for all Varieties of Exhibits: 

(a) Naval and marine: 

1. Deep sea waterfront. 

(b) Agricultural: 

1. Large area. 

2. Fertility of soil. 

(c) Military: 

1. Large area, 30 acres: 

For troops. 
For ranges. 
For maneuvers. 

2. Obstacles— Natural or artificial, as hills, ditches, trees. 

(d) Dairy, including milk treatment, butter, cheese and ice cream 

plant: 

1. Area, 10 acres. 

2. Not in very midst of great crowds. 

3. Facilities for manure disposal. 

(e) Ethnology — Tribes living in natural manner: 

1. Large area, say 50 acres. 

2. Shaded. 

3. Diversified topography. 

Power and Light: 

(a) Electric : 

1. Central station. 

2. Exposition plant: 

Water -for boilers and condensing. 
Fuel — supply and storage. 
Ash, disposal of. 

(b) Steam— for heating, exhibits, etc. 

(c) Gas — for heating, exhibits, decorative lighting, safety lighting. 



AMERICAN AND FOREIGN EXPOSITION STATISTICS 




EXPOSITIONS 




ATTENDANCES AND THEIR RATIOS 


AREAS 


6R0SS EXPENDITURES 


ADMISSION AND 
CONCESSION 


SUBSCRIPTIONS 
AHO RECEIPTS 




z 
< 

a 

01 

2 
< 


COL 


1 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


6 


9 


10 


II 12 | 13 14 16 16 


17 


16 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 t4 1 25 


26 


27 




z 


z 
o 

u 
o 

J 


< 
in 

> 


OX 

si 
si 


«2 
tu g 

if 

j < 
o < 


5« 


RATIO -LOCAL POPUL. 

TO TOTAL PAID" 

COS. 4* COL. n 


li 
M 

j s 


< mi 


AVERAGE Of TOTAL 

ATTENDANCE 

PREe ANO PAID 


a* 


PERCSNTASE DAILY PAID 
ATTENDANCE VS. POPULATION 


s 

E 
<n 
O 
Z 
3 
O 

s 


Q u 
1* 


9* 

58 

a* 
fi 


3f{8 

Suff 
« or 


St" 

fog 

^»° 

5*8 


oo 
<>< 


AVERAees 

IN CENTS 


|§ss 

-" ■* fiL 5 

H e uq 

o Iff O 

x al ■* 


Ssa 




B 
2 5 

So*! 

it"* 


So 


II 


•■8 


2 1 


.2 
?8 


o 

Is 

s* 


hi 
5-1 


*5| 

acZ«k 

WO* 




A 


PHILADELPHIA 


1676 


159 


8.004.000 


50.000 


10.3 










775.000 


64S 










285 


*70 


$6165.000 


58380000 


68.6 


$1.12 


47| 


osi 


53 


$4817.000 


Sa8oi9oaoo 




B 


CHICA60 


1893 


179 


ZI.480.W0 


izaooo 


168 


27529.400 


716.881 


173140 


414 


1.280.000 


937 


1.400. 000 


8.50 


1.600.000 


tjs 


DO© 


•|fi8 


18678000 


27292.000 


68.5 


127 


48 


16 


64 


13.20OJO0 


1O.3IO400O0 




C 


MIDWINTER 


1694 


160 


1.434.000 


9000 


4.5 


2.336.499 




14.615 




317.000 


784 


445,000 


201 


566.000 


159 


160 


*6 


607.000 


1 134000 


535 


.79 


37 


15 


5Z 


371.000 


53058000 




D 


ATLANTA * 


1895 


90 


818.000 


9000 


m 






13030 




78.000 


11.51 










189 


10 


443.000 


861000 


51.5 


1.17 


4S 


15 


60 


297.000 


368.100.00 




E 


NASHVILLE " 


1397 


155 


1 £74 000 


8.000 


15.9 


1.786714 




11.527 




80.000 


10.00 










200 


IZ 


578.000 


1, 101.000 


478 


.86 


34 


10 


44 


474000 


431160O0 




F 


OMAHA 


1898 


153 


1.778.000 


11.600 


178 






17082 




100.009 


11.64 










164 


10 


1.104.000 


1.572.000 


703 


88 


45 


16 


61 


476.000 


8O0.S0000 




g 


BUFFALO * 


1901 


IS4 


^307,000 


29.000 


6.1 


8.570.048 




46.304 




357.000 


7.20 


50Z.OOO 


577 


700.000 


2.70 


Sso 


IS 


4. 659.000 


* 7.197000 


65.2 


1.35 


45 


75 


70 


3.115.000 


2.388.B0.00 




H 


ST. LOUIS * 


1904 


137 


11804.000 


68000 


207 


19.694855 


404450 


107015 


377 


670.000 


10.97 


635.000 


8.14 


1.066.000 


6.29 1240 


fm 


16.704.000 


76364.080 


63.0 


207 


49 


24 


73 


14 557000 


77MJ60.00 




j 


PORTLAND 


1905 


137 


1.589.000 


11.600 


176 










126.309 


9.70 










*406 






1.439000 




.90 






70 


405.000 






K 


JAMESTOWN"* 


1907 


219 


1.481.000 


6.800 


214 










69.000 


9.80 










350 






* 3700. 164 




Z50 


44 


IS 


59 


2,115.600 


651.640.00 




L 


SEATTLE 


1909 


139 


2766.000 


28.000 


IZ.5 


3.740551 




26910 




221.000 


9j05 


260.000 


770 


365.000 


548 


255 


* 2202.000 


3128.000 




113 


39i 


II 


50 


* 1.677.000 


l.092,5'0 00 




U 


SAN FRANCISCO' 


1315 


788 


I3.IZ7.I03 


45.580 












500000 












635 


330 


14.847607 


18.452.617 


















z 

(0 

S 
a 



u. 


M 


PARIS 


1889 


185 


Z5.39fl.000 


137.000 
























276 


621 


5.876.000 


8 300.000 




.37 








5,000,000 






N 


PARIS 


1900 


ZI0 


37 287000 


177.000 
























336 






20609000 




.54 








8.000.000 









BRUSSELS 


1910 


199 


5.50QO00 


27600 
























235 
























P 


TURIN 


1911 






























247 


64 
















1.000.000 








R 


TOTAL AVERAGES 


14.4 








595 




6.92 




ao4 




5.94 










61.0 


114 














5 


AVERA&ES (OMITTING EXPOSITIONS NOTED") 


19.1 












976 




752 




554 










67.1 


1.68 














* Referring to note under respective lir* 


i Letter and Column Number 




LINE 


COL. 


NOTES 


LINE 


COL 


NOTES 


LINE 


COL. 


NOTES 




A 


1 


Closed nights end Sundays. 


M 


(8 


Exhibit 6ldjo>. 109 Acres. Total under Roof 128 Acre* 


S 


22 


Omitting A. C, D, E. G. J and l_. 




A 


16 


57 j Acres main and I2J Acres sec 


ondary 


J 


17 


120 Acres land - 286 Acres water 










B 


16 


150 ■ " - 36 - 


M 


K 


t 


Partially closed Sundays. 










C 


16 


5 main buildings. 6 Acres 


K 


ZO 


Approximated 










D 


1 


Closed Sundays 


L 


19 


Including maintenance. 










E 


1 


(i » 


L 


26 


" % 1.000,000 from State 


Committee on Statistics 

Sesqui- Centennial Committee 

ENfilNEEPS CLUfi OF PHILADELPHIA 




! ° 


1 


Director General's report esttm 
occasioned by President VKKinle* 
death, in attendance, 2.521 OOOpeopVl 
from admissions i\ 132.000 and cone 
$457 000. total $1589.000. 


a res toss 
K» tradic 
'.. In revenue 
tssions 


L' 


1 


Data not included in averaged 




5 


6 


Omitting A. C. D. E. G. J and L. 




S 


12 


• C and G. 




e 


17 


150 Acre* main and ZOOAcreo secor 


idary- 


5 


14 


- A.C.D.E.F. J and K. 




o 


20 
1 


Approximated 
Closed Sundays 


S 
S 


16 
21 


« C. D and E.. 


















December I92i 





PLATE IV 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



19 



(d) Water power — for exhibits. 

(e) Distribution : 

1. Freedom from rock. 

2. Freedom from water in manholes and around steampipes. 

Communication : 

(a) Telephone. 

(b) Telegraph. 

(c) Wireless. 

(d) Mail. 

Miscellaneous: 

Increase in business of merchants during exposition. 

Increase in taxable property of the City after the Exposition. 

Effect on the City's future planning and development: 

It is conceivable that some sites might have a specially good 
effect and others a deleterious effect. 
Effect of permanent improvements upon the minds of Philadelphians. 

Effect of permanent improvements upon future tourist traffic to Phila- 
delphia, etc. 

COMMENTS ON REQUIREMENTS. 

1. Procurability promptly. 

First importance is given to this requirement because the site which 
cannot be procured with reasonable promptness, or whose procurement 
is liable to long delays through litigation or split ownership, while 
having Other qualities to a marked degree, would not be a safe site 
to select for the Exposition. 

2. Accessibility. 

By foot and other transportation largely determines the number of 
admissions. Not only does the increase in number of admissions 
mean a financial gain, but it also enhances the beneficial effect of the 
Fair. 

S. Aesthetics. 

The attractiveness of the Exposition, its surroundings and the routes 
of transportation exercises an enormous influence upon the attendance, 
the mental effect and the reputation of Philadelphia. Its importance 
is therefore equivalent to that of accessibility. 

4. Transportation. 

Inadequate transportation curtails the number of admissions and 
promotes a feeling of dissatisfaction on the part of visitors, whether 
from nearby or remote points. I therefore consider that transporta- 
tion is in a sense as important as accessibility and aesthetics; but even 
if it were found to be inadequate at the opening, this can be corrected 
with great promptness by more auto bus facilities and it might be 
possible to somewhat increase the facilities by railroad and street rail- 
way before the maximum crowds occurred; whereas the aesthetic con- 
ditions and accessibility on foot cannot be changed at all. I there- 
fore rate transportation as slightly less important than accessibility and 
aesthetics. 



5. Cost. 

There are two costs to be considered : First, the net investment cost, 
viz. — first gross cost less the value of salvage, including under the head- 
ing of salvage the money value of permanent improvements and pos- 
sibly the greater intangible permanent value of these same improve- 
ments (such as permanent buildings, extensions to park system, monu- 
ments, etc.) to the City of Philadelphia. The other item of cost to 
be considered is the cost of operation and maintenance of the Exposi- 
tion grounds and buildings, from beginning to end of the Exposition. 
Both these costs are of course of considerable importance and the for- 
mer affects the amount of money that must be raised to get the fair 
into operation. 

6. Public Health. 

Good drinking water in sufficient quantity and certainty, plus satis- 
factory sewage disposal, are vital necessities and one might at first be 
tempted to assign a figure of 100 (or highest importance) to this, but 
by a sufficient expenditure of money they can be secured probably at 
all sites under consideration and the differences in quality and cost 
as between the sites will not be such a large percentage of the total 
cost of the Exposition as to warrant considering this matter of as 
great importance as those which have been previously taken up. 

7. Public Comfort. 

Reasonable freedom from pests, such as mosquitoes, excessive mois- 
ture, smells and smoke is also a requisite to the success of any exposi- 
tion, but from reasoning similar to that in the case of public health 
it is considered of about equal importance. 

8. Housing and Feeding. 

The provision of food and shelter, not only for those attending the 
Fair, but for those engaged in its construction, operation and main- 
tenance are very important matters and from this standpoint the 
different sites will vary widely. However, the problem can be satis- 
factorily solved for any site by the necessary expenditure of money 
and need not be rated of as much importance as earlier items. 

9. Size. 

Any site under consideration must of course have a certain acreage 
in order to have a worthy Exposition. Previous expositions have 
varied enormously in their total acreage — viz. from 228 in the Paris 
Exposition of 1889; 285 in the Centennial; 688, Chicago; and 1240, St. 
Louis. They have also varied greatly in the acreage of buildings 
under roof — from 62 in the Paris Exposition of 1889, to 330 at San 
Francisco. These variations are due largely to fundamental differ- 
ences in the conception of a fair. The idea in some expositions has 
been excellence rather than size. The predominant idea in some of 
the American expositions appears to have been the attempt to surpass 
other expositions in size. There is no question but that the St. Louis 
Exposition was so stretched out as to be physically tiresome. The 
committees ought not to consider any site which is less than a mini- 
mum such as seems proper to them ; but having adopted that minimum 
as a working basis, it would be entirely proper to give some weight to 
the feasibility in the various sites of readily adding to the minimum 
size some additional acreage in case of expanding plans for the Fair. 



20 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



or increased interest, developed beyond what was first expected, should 
make it desirable to expand the exposition. I have, therefore, under 
the heading "Size," considered this ability to expand, not necessarily by 
the use of ground forming a geometrical enlargement, but of ground 
which is so near that it can be connected with the main body of 
ground by suitable roadways or bridges. To illustrate: No exposition 
site should be considered which would not permit considerable in the 
way of aviation. A space for this, which might be 60 or 100 acres, 
need not all of it be closely connected to the main body of ground, 
but only that portion which would serve as an exhibit of aeroplanes 
or hydroplanes at rest. The portion which would serve as an avia- 
tion field and place for take off and arrival could be, as are the landing 
fields in various cities, at some little distance. It is conceivable, how- 
ever, that between now and 1926 a size which might be consid- 
ered suitable today for all the purposes of aviation ought to be con- 
siderably larger to correspond with some remarkable development in 
the art; so that it is advantageous that a site of the size determined 
upon now can be enlarged if desirable. 

10. Facilities for Exhibits. 

Many special exhibits of interest to some classes will come to mind; 
and it is improbable that any one site will offer all the desirable 
features for all of these exhibits. However, consideration and rating 
should be given in the various sites for the ability to meet many of 
the requirements for such exhibits as occur to us. For example: it has 
been urged that a large exhibit of warships and perhaps merchant 
shipping would be an attractive feature in connection with several of 
the sites proposed. 

A spectacular and probably widely interesting exhibit could be made 
of army ordnance, such as a great gun on a railway mount, an 8-inch 
Howitzer on a caterpillar mount, which surmounts considerable ob- 
stacles, goes into and out of quite considerable ditches and which I 
have seen overturn a 9-inch tree; also a working exhibit of the tanks 
which played such a vital part in the late war. 

Ethnological exhibits of curious people have been found of great 
interest, etc., etc. 

11. Power and Light. 

The supply of power and the problem, of adequate and artistic 
illumination are two of the large problems connected with any expo- 



sition, and the lighting of San Francisco made an impression more 
striking and more enduring probably than any other thing which 
visitors saw. However, as between different sites the variation in diffi- 
culty of accomplishing the supply of power and lighting effects is not so 
great as to make the importance of this feature relatively so great 
as might be at first supposed. 

12. Communication. 

Prompt communication by telephone, telegraph, mail, etc., is like- 
wise of great importance to the success of an exposition, but a reason- 
ing similar to that given for light and power leads me to give it a 
comparatively low relative importance. 

13. Intangibles. 

In addition to the above considerations there are certain other mat- 
ters deserving consideration, but to which I have not ventured to 
attribute definite figures of relative importance. For example: 

Increase in business of merchants during the Exposition. 

Increase in taxable property of the Oity after the Exposition. 

Effect on the City's future planning and development. (It is 
conceivable that some sites might have a specially good effect 
and others a deleterious effect). 

Effect of permanent improvements upon the minds of Phila- 
delphians. 

Effect of permanent improvements upon future tourist traffic 
to Philadelphia, etc. 



It is hardly to be expected that I have thought of all the requirements 
of equal importance to those above, and discussion will doubtless bring 
out some of these. Further, different minds will unquestionably view the 
relative importance of these items from somewhat different angles and 
it ought to be possible by a consideration by the members of the Com- 
mittee and a discussion to bring about a comparative rating much more 
valuable than any attempt of tmine. 



.-^g 



w 









*m 



TO- SiSt-MOf-tr 

WtATtON f!E.LD<; 



Suggested Lower FAiRnouNT ParkPlan 
The Fairmount Parkway and the Schuylkill Banks 

Reproduced from Original by Pau 1 P.Cret. 

Accompanying report of 

SESQUl-CENTENNIAL COM.M1TTEE 

THE ENGINEERS CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 

January- 19 2 2 







PLATE V 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



21 



APPENDIX D 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL 
ENGINEERING, HEALTH, COMFORT, ETC. 



Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Penna. 

To the Chaikman: 

In compliance with your request the Civil Engineering Sub- 
committee on the selection of sites has examined the twelve sites 
proposed for the Sesqui-Centennial Exposition and submits the 
following as its report: 

After our Committee was organized we were advised that the 
proponents of Sites Numbers 1, 2 and 3 had agreed to concentrate 
their efforts on the adoption of Site Number 3, which we have 
considered as the "Pennypack Park Site." This practically re- 
duced the number of sites for consideration to twelve. 

Each site was examined by the various members of the Com- 
mittee, and when their reports indicated that further considera- 
tion ought to be given to some sites which possessed special 
advantages, the engineers or architects representing those sites 
were given hearings before the full Sub- committee, which after- 
wards made additional examinations on the ground. 

In our judgment, in the selection of a site for the Sesqui- 
Centennial Exposition, there are two factors which should receive 
first consideration as an aid in arriving at a decision. 

The first is a question of certain costs entering into the prep- 
aration of a site, which do not belong primarily to an interna- 
tional exposition. 

The second is the suitability of the site, which would permit 
the complete development of an Exposition of the proper scope. 

The first would include the cost and loss of time in condemn- 
ing and procuring the necessary property; the cost of preparing 
the ground for exposition purposes, which would embrace the 
cost of filling, excessive excavation and special costly construc- 
tion; the character of the subsoil, which may necessitate heavy 



outlays for foundations; heavy costs in the construction of water 
mains or sewerage; the cost of extending and adjusting trans- 
portation systems, both steam and electric ; and the cost of con- 
structing highways and bridges for the purpose of making the 
grounds accessible. 

An indirect cost might also be considered as resulting from 
the destruction of industries or the checking of their growth. 

The second, or the suitability of the site, embraces the follow- 
ing elements: 

(a) Size. 

(b) Shape. 

(c) Topography — Water supply, sewerage drainage, 

grading. 

(d) Accessibility — Transportation, hotel and restau- 

rant accommodations. 

(e) Comfort — Insects, odors, smoke and atmosphere. 

(f) Aesthetics — Environment. 

(g) Salvage. 

(h) Automobile parking and camping. 

While many of these elements come within the scope of other 
subcommittees, it is necessary for us to give them general con- 
sideration, so that this report may be of some practical value. 

The following is a discussion of the various sites which have 
been submitted to us for investigation: 

SITE NO. 3 — PENNYPACK PARK SITE. 

The Pennypack Park Site is situated on the Roosevelt Boule- 
vard above Cottman Street, and includes within its limits Penny- 
pack Creek and Park. The area suggested is about one thousand 
(1,000) acres, of which about fifty (50) per cent, is City-owned. 
This area can be considerably increased if necessary. 

Topography. 

A large proportion of the tract is slightly rolling and can easily 
be developed for exposition purposes. The Pennypack Creek 
valley is a, beautiful one and can readily be made very attractive. 

The water supply presents no difficulties as it is within easy 
reach of the Lardner's Point pumping station. 

The sewage also is easily disposed of by constructing exten- 
sions from city sewers. The estimated cost of constructing the 
necessary extensions of water mains and sewers is $3,000,000. 



22 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



Foundations and Grading. 

These present no serious difficulties unless construction occurs 
along the creek valleys and drainage axes. 

Salvage. 

Water mains and sewerage extensions would constitute a part 
of the City's development and are largely salvage, amounting 
approximately to $2,500,000. 

In our judgment, of all the northeast sites proposed this should 
receive the highest rating. 

SITE NO. 4 — UPPER ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD. 

This site is situated immediately north of the junction of the 
Roosevelt Boulevard with Oxford avenue. It contains about 
seven hundred (700) acres, part City-owned. 

Water supply and sewerage extensions can be easily constructed 
at a cost of about $2,000,000. 

Topography. 

The surface of the ground has no great relief and it lacks the 
features that could be developed through having a fair-sized 
stream of water contiguous to or flowing through it. 

Foundations and grading can be accomplished at a compari- 
tively low cost. 

This site is destitute of even a fair number of medium size 
trees, which ought to be considered in the item of public comfort. 
The view and environment are not equal to Site No. 3. 

Salvage is obtained almost entirely through water supply and 
sewerage extensions. 

SITE NO. 5 — THE LOWER BOULEVARD SITE. 

This site is situated north of the Roosevelt Boulevard and 
along Tacony Creek. It embraces about seven hundred (700) 
acres of which Tacony Park is City-owned. 

Water supply and sewerage offer no difficulties. 

Topography. 

The site is capable of excellent development with some water 
treatment along Tacony Creek. There is sufficient level ground 
for buildings, although they would probably have to be placed 
in two or more groups. 



Foundations are as easily constructed as on Sites Nos. 3 and 4, 
except where filling has been done or is necessary. 

Grading. 

The item of grading would probably be in excess of Sites 
Nos. 3 and 4. 

It is possible that mosquitos prevail during the summer 
months. 

Salvage. 

The estimated cost of extending water mains and sewerage is 
$2,350,000, of which the estimated salvage is $1,700,000. 

SITE NO. 6 — JUNIATA PARK SITE. 

This site comprises about six hundred (600) acres and includes 
part of Tacony Park. It is situated north of Butler street, and 
between the Oxford branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad and 
Tacony Creek. 

Water and Sewers. 

These present no serious difficulties, the estimated cost of both 
being about $1,750,000; the salvage of which amounts to about 
$1,050,000. 

Topography. 

The surface of the site is quite rolling and is capable of very 
fair treatment, the Tacony Creek valley on the north being quite 
beautiful. 

Foundations. 

There would probably be about fifteen (15) per cent, excess 
in the cost of foundations over Sites 3, 4 and 5. 

Comfort. 

This is rated rather low on account of the increasing industrial 
development immediately surrounding this site. 

SITE NO. 7 — THE ROXBOROUGH SITE. 

The Roxborough Site extends from the upper Wissahickon 
valley southwestwardly along the Philadelphia-Montgomery 
County line to the Schuylkill River. It has a frontage of 3,000 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



23 



feet along the Schuylkill River and about 6,000 feet along the 
Wissahickon Creek, and is largely within City limits. It em- 
braces about 2,000 acres, practically all within the boundaries 
of the Houston estate, and for which we have been assured the 
City will have control for Exposition purposes, without any 
compensation being exacted. 

Topography. 

The site is an exceedingly beautiful one, possessing the highest 
general elevation of any examined, and commanding at various 
points beautiful and extensive views of both the Schuylkill and 
Wissahickon valleys. It is intersected with streams and wooded 
ravines, which could be developed to a high degree by the land- 
scape architect, and possesses a sufficient amount of level ground 
for the location of the maximum number of Exposition building 
sites with the necessary avenues and approaches. It also has 
sufficient available ground for automobile parking, aviation fields, 
Stadium, and all other Exposition purposes. From a health and 
public comfort standpoint, owing to its topography and eleva- 
tion, this site is unexcelled in the vicinity of the City. 

Water Supply. 

The water supply presents no serious difficulties and any im- 
provements made to the present plant and system would be per- 
manent and are under consideration by the Bureau. 

The sewage can be provided for by an extension of the inter- 
cepting sewers along the east side of the Schuylkill River and 
up the Wissahickon valley, and would form part of the City's 
permanent sewerage system. 

The architects representing the proponents of this site— Messrs. 
DeArmond, Ashmead and Bickley — state that the cost of extend- 
ing a forty-two (42) inch sewer up the Wissahickon valley to 
the site would be seven hundred and twenty thousand (720,000) 
dollars. There are no estimates furnished for the extension of 
the sewer along the east side of the river from Shawmont ave- 
nue, nor were estimates furnished for obtaining a proper and 
abundant water supply. 

The problems of surface drainage and foundations for struc- 
tures do not present any difficulties. 

Salvage. 

With the exception of the items of construction in direct rela- 
tion to the Exposition itself and the temporary buildings, all pre- 
liminary construction, including water mains and sewers, could 



be classified as having complete salvage. In addition there would 
be a very important indirect benefit to the City in the construc- 
tion of permanent improvements, which would materially aid 
in the development of a large section. 

The disadvantages of this site are obvious, in that there is a 
present lack of transportation facilities, and that the highways 
reaching it are few in number and easily congested with traffic. 
The only railroads which at present reach the tract are along 
the east bank of the Schuylkill River and are two hundred and 
seventy-five (275) feet below the general level of the site. This 
would require special elevators and escalators to transport visi- 
tors to the Exposition level. 

It is estimated that the cost of constructing a high-speed elec- 
tric railway from City Hall to the site would be fifteen million 
(15,000,000) dollars without any allowances for equipment. 

The distance this site is from the center of the City, nine (9) 
miles, might also unfavorably affect the size of the attendance. 
Hotel accommodations also constitute another problem. This 
location is in an undeveloped section of the City, and the erection 
of hotels on the site in its immediate vicinity presents some specu- 
lative features that might deter capital from embarking in an 
extensive undertaking of this character. 



SITE NO. 8 — THE UPPER FAIRMOUNT PARK SITE. 

The Upper Fairmount Park Site is bounded by the Schuylkill 
River on the east, Belmont avenue on the west; and extends 
northwardly from Memorial Hall to the river at the Falls bridge. 
This site, embracing approximately eight hundred (800) acres, 
with about three hundred (300) acres additional available, is 
City-owned, and is advocated by Chester E. Albright, former 
City Engineer and Surveyor, who has made a very thorough and 
comprehensive study of it. 
This location presents many advantages: 

Being City-owned, it is available without cost or delay. 
There are few foundation problems to be encountered, as 

the subsoil conditions in general are most excellent. 
The water supply is near at hand and can be extended at 
little cost. Any mains or additions to the pumping plant 
are in contemplation by the Bureau as part of the future 
improvement to the system. 
The sewage disposal requires somewhat more study, but its 
solution is easy and at a low cost. 



24 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



The topography is well adapted for the purpose. While the 
elevation above the river level is somewhat below that 
of the Roxborough Site, the relief is sufficient to insure 
cool breezes and give commanding views of the beauti- 
ful Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park, and the Schuylkill 
valley. 

The shape and size permit Exposition development on fairly 
level ground. Congestion in the grounds and at trans- 
portation terminals can be avoided by the ease with 
which a large number of entrances can be established. 
There are also sufficient areas within the limits of the 
grounds and adjacent to it, to provide ample parking 
for automobiles. 

The location is adjacent to that part of the City in which 
normal development and growth would warrant the 
erection of permanent hotels and apartments. 

Its accessibility, through steam and electric railway lines, 
by means of streets and highways, and even by water 
transportation, is readily apparent from an examination 
of a general plan. 

Salvage. 

The cost of preparing this site for use for Exposition purposes, 
including water supply, sewerage, grading and the construction 
of three (3) small bridges, would not, according to the engineer, 
exceed one million (1,000,000) dollars, which to a large degree 
represent permanent improvements. 

The principal objection that has been urged against the selection 
of this location is that being a part of Fairmount Park it would 
bar the public from its use for a term of from four to six years ; 
and the development and construction on the grounds for Exposi- 
tion purposes might cause some damage to shrubbery and trees. 

It is evident, however, that even during the period of Exposi- 
tion construction, the public would be barred from the grounds in 
part only ; and it seemed to be the opinion of the Committee when 
the site was examined, that plants and trees would be but slightly 
damaged. 

SITE NO. 9 — LOWER FAIRMOUNT PARK OR CRET PLAN. 

This plan, as presented to the Subcommittee by Prof. Cret, 
contemplates the development and use of the Parkway, Lemon 
Hill section of Fairmount Park, and the use of a comparatively 
narrow zone along the banks of the Schuylkill River, extending 
on the west side from Filbert street to Vine street. 



The water supply for Exposition purposes offers no problems 
under existing conditions. 

The sewage problem depends largely upon what disposition is 
made of the sewage discharging into and polluting the Schuylkill 
River. This is a problem involving so much study and such 
heavy costs that we can only refer to it slightly in this report. 

The site is an accessible one, and as it is fringed by a develop- 
ing part of the City within a few minutes' walk from City Hall 
the construction of hotels and apartment houses should be per- 
manent. 

One great advantage of this location is that a number of im- 
portant buildings erected for Exposition purposes could be made 
of a permanent character and used in the future, such as Federal, 
State and Municipal Buildings. 

Salvage. 

Salvage is one of the most important factors in the consider- 
ation of this site. The permanent advantages accruing to the 
City would be the improvement of the banks of the Schuylkill 
River as part of the Fairmount Park system, the removal of 
what constitutes an open sewer in the Schuylkill River below 
the dam, and the removal of some objectionable features along 
the river. 

The enormous outlay necessary in the mere preparation of this 
site and the intricate engineering problems involved before actual 
Exposition construction can be begun, the cost of which is esti- 
mated from $20,000,000 to $30,000,000, at once raise the ques- 
tion whether in view of other urgent needs for municipal im- 
provements, such as transit, sewers, and highways, the City is 
justified in expending so large an amount of money at this time, 
even though the salvage is very great. 

From an engineering standpoint, the Cret Site presents a num- 
ber of serious disadvantages: 

The Schuylkill River below the dam is full of sewage which 
is carried to the foot of the dam by flood tides. The 
elimination of this nuisance will be both difficult and 
costly. 

The condemnation of the property on the east and west sides 
of the river will be very expensive and may involve con- 
siderable loss of time and some litigation. 

The preliminary work will necessitate heavy construction 
expenses, such as covering the railroad tracks on the 
east bank, heavy river wall construction on both sides 
of the river, the realignment of tracks on the west side,. 




PLATE VI 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



25 



and, owing to the nature of the ground, possibly extra 
heavy foundation construction along the river. In addi- 
tion the location as shown on the plan does not in our 
judgment indicate an area sufficiently adequate to de- 
velop the Exposition along the lines suggested by the 
General Committee. 

The cost of the construction of the two bridges shown on 
the plan would also constitute a heavy item. 

The location of the buildings along the river, with their ele- 
vations only a few feet above the water level would not 
give a high degree of public comfort during the hot 
summer months; and smoke and odors carried by the 
southwest winds from the Pennsylvania Railroad yards 
and vicinity would also be an objection. 

SITE NO. 10. — KNOWN AS THE LEAGUE ISLAND PARK SITE. 

SITE NO. 11. — 39TH WARD PLAN (IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF 
LEAGUE ISLAND). 

site no. 12. — 40th WARD PLAN (cannonball FARM plan). 

site no. 13. — 40th ward plan (immediately north of 
cannonball farm) . 

site no. 14. — hog island plan. 

These tracts were all compared on the basis of an assumed 
area of one thousand (1,000) acres each and in accordance with 
the items mentioned in the first part of this part of the report. 

1 — Topography. — All five of these sites possess the same gen- 
eral topographical characteristics, being located in the basin of 
the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, all exceedingly low-lying 
elevations, all more or less subject to overflow by tides if not pro- 
tected by dikes, and all virtually lacking in contour, being prac- 
tically level. 

(a) Drainage. — The possibilities of proper drainage — 
assuming to start with that the sites will necessarily be graded 
to a higher elevation than at present as a preliminary to improve- 
ment of any kind — are excellent and could be fairly economically 
accomplished by discharging through short trunk sewers directly 
into the adjacent river channels. Salvage would be large, as 
these drains could be utilized later when the temporary Exposi- 
tion area is converted into permanent housing districts. 

(b) Sewage. — Under the assumption that the surface ele- 
vation of these sites would be raised to an elevation approxi- 
mately twelve (12) feet above low tide, it would be practicable 



to construct sewers to discharge directly into the Delaware River, 
but whether this would be legally possible is a grave question. 
There are no existing available trunk sewers in these sections to 
which connection could be made, and probably a complete sys- 
tem of sewers connected to a central pumping station with a 
treatment plant adjunct thereto, would be necessary to satisfy 
the demands of the State Department of Health. 

Some salvage on these improvements could reasonably be ex- 
pected, but not in any large proportion of their cost. 

(c) Water Supply. — There are no existing water mains of 
sufficient size and proximity capable of supplying water for Ex- 
sition purposes at these sites. In all probability complete new 
conduits would have to be constructed from the nearest filtration 
plants, either at Torresdale or Queen Lane, at a large expense. 

To properly meet the maximum demands of a population such 
as that which would at certain times be within the Exposition 
enclosure, would require, it is roughly estimated, approximately 
a thirty-six (36) inch water main. This, with the auxiliary 
developments necessary in connection with its operation, prob- 
ably would cost approximately $2,000,000. The salvage would 
be limited, as the permanent population of this tract would be 
insignificant compared with the temporary population during 
Exposition times, and its demands for water would be in corre- 
sponding minor proportion. 

(d) Shape. — The shape of any of the properties under con- 
sideration is such as to permit symmetrical development and 
is believed to be entirely satisfactory. 

(e) Grading. — As a prerequisite to the improvement of these 
tracts for Exposition purposes, it is felt that they should be raised 
six (6) feet in elevation from their present average elevation, 
which is below the plane of high tide in the Delaware River, to 
a plane approximately twelve (12) feet above low tide. To do 
this would require a very large amount of filling, estimated at 
6,000,000 cubic yards for the best of the sites, and 12,000,000 
cubic yards for the worst of them. 

If deposited hydraulically the surface of the fill would be ex- 
ceedingly soft and probably not susceptible of development for 
building purposes for a period of one and one-half (1%) to two 
(2) years after placing. If made with dry fill, the sources of 
material would be remote, somewhat uncertain, and expensive. 

Under the best conditions the cost of these grading operations 
would be $3,000,000 and under the worst $12,000,000 or more. 
Also, the delay in commencement of building operations occa- 



26 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



sioned by the grading operations would be most serious, ranging 
from a minimum of one to a maximum of two years or more. 

2 — Comfort — Odors and Smoke. — With respect to odors and 
smoke these sites are of varying degrees of desirability. All of 
them are within reaching distance of objectionable odors from 
chemical manufacturing plants, fertilizer and reduction plants, 
oil refineries and gas works — some in very near proximity to the 
source of these odors and smoke, and others more remotely 
removed. 

Site No. 10 would be the least objectionable in this respect and 
could be rated fairly high, following which Site No. 14 would be 
next in order, and then Sites Nos. 12, 11 and 13 in increasing 
disfavor, the last-named being highly objectionable and practi- 
cally out of consideration on this account. 

Mosquitoes. — The entire Delaware River valley, covering Sites 
Nos. 10 to 14, is more or less mosquito infested at all times, and 
sometimes very badly. To insure the comfort of visitors to the 
Exposition, if located on any of these sites, remedial measures for 
the elimination or control of the mosquito pest over the low 
grounds between Philadelphia and Marcus Hook would have to 
be taken. From actual experience in the past it is estimated 
that a campaign of this kind to be at all effective would cost 
upwards of $1,000,000. 

Atmospheric. — The wind velocity on most of these sites during 
the summer season is low and the percentage of humidity corre- 
spondingly high. Of the five sites, Nos. 10 and 14 are superior 
to the others. These two, on account of their extensive Delaware 
River frontage, would derive some benefit from river breezes, 
although the normal direction of wind currents during the sum- 
mer months is from the land rather than the water at both of 
these sites. 

3 — Sub-Soil as Affecting Foundation Costs. — All of the 
Sites, Nos. 10 to 14 inclusive, are located on alluvial soil and to 
a large extent are partially submerged tidal lands. The soil is 
soft in character for a depth of from 30 to 60 feet below the 
surface, and quite incapable of sustaining concentrated loads from 
foundations. All of the available data, of which there is consider- 
able, point to the probability that piles will be required for all 
concentrated loadings of the Exhibition development. These 
would vary from 30 to 70 feet in length and would cost approxi- 
mately twenty-five (25) dollars per pile. 

It is estimated that 150,000 piles would be required in the 
300 acres of buildings on the grounds, entailing an additional 
foundation cost over that on hard ground of $3,750,000. 



-Aesthetics — View from and View to Surroundings. — In 
these respects Sites Nos. 10 to 14 vary greatly in merit. In the 
cases of Nos. 11 and 13 the sights and scenes with which visitors 
would be surrounded are unpleasant. Site No. 12 is somewhat 
better, but still highly objectionable. In the case of Site No. 10 
these conditions are materially improved, and in consideration of 
the admirable view from and to the Delaware River, and from 
and to League Island Park, it is entitled to relatively high rating. 
It is somewhat superior in this respect to Site No. 14, which, 
however, possesses considerable merit on account of its river 
prospects. 

Water Frontage. — Sites Nos. 10 and 14 each have a splendid 
water frontage of more than a mile in length, located on one of 
the country's greatest rivers and principal arteries of marine 
commerce. The possibilities of impressive utilization of this 
frontage are very great, and both sites are entitled to the highest 
possible consideration on this account. 

Site No. 11 possesses practically no water frontage. In Site 
No. 12 its water front is indifferent as compared with Nos. 10 
and 14, and in Site Number 13 the water front is highly inferior. 

Approaches. — The principal approaches to all of these sites are 
comparatively limited in number and in the main are through 
sections of the City not highly developed. Sites Nos. 10 and 11, 
approached principally by way of South Broad street, are the 
best of this group, and with some rather radical improvements 
of present conditions this line of approach could be made pleas- 
ing. The approaches to Sites Nos. 12, 13 and 14 are poor, and 
the possibilities of improving them to any extent are remote. 

5 — Size and Shape. — The size of each one of these sites is 
adequate for any demand reasonably to be conceived for expo- 
sition purposes, and as formerly stated, the shape of them is such 
as to permit symmetrical and satisfactory development. 

6 — Excess cost of Development to Ground Surface.— The 
excess cost of development of any site in this group — by which 
"excess" it is meant to include items of cost to which other avail- 
able sites would not be subjected — includes in the case of each 
of these properties the cost of additional water conduits, of a large 
quantity of grading, of an extensive mosquito elimination cam- 
paign and of the driving of a very large number of piles for foun- 
dation purposes. 

These costs would range from approximately $11,000,000 in 
the case of Sites Nos. 12, 13 and 14, to $12,000,000 for Site No. 10, 
and $14,000,000 for Site No. 11. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



27 



7 — Facilities fob all Classes of Exhibits. — In the case of 
the best of these sites, Nos. 10 and 14, admirable facilities for 
all classes of aquatic exhibitions are afforded, but for anthropo- 
logical exhibits, native and aboriginal villages of various kinds, 
etc., the topography is not sufficiently varied, tree growth is 
entirely lacking, and the sites would not be as well adapted from 
this point of view as those in hill country. Sites Nos, 12, 13 and 
11, in the order mentioned, are distinctly inferior to the others 
in these particulars. 

8 — Automobile Paeking Aeea. — All of the sites in this group 
are of sufficient size to afford ample facilities for the storage of 
any probable number of motor cars. 

Even on first consideration of these sites it was manifest that 
the League Island Park Site and the Hog Island Site possess ma- 
terial advantages over the others suggested in this group, and 
further, it was obvious that the mile or more of water front avail- 
able at both of these tracts created an undeniable and impelling 
attraction. High regard has been borne in mind of the great 
possibilities of aesthetic and impressive development of these 
waterfronts, and the possibilities of utilization of the river itself 
in connection with striking illuminations at night, pageants by 
both night and day, seaplane exhibitions, and aquatic sports of 
every kind. 

These advantages, and in the case of the League Island Park 
Site, undoubtedly the preferable one of the two, its proximity 
to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, one of the country's main naval 
stations and therefore a point of interest to practically all citi- 
zens both from coastal as well as inland sections, rate the devel- 
opment possibilities under the Joseph Huston Plan very high. 

The facts, (1) that the League Island Park Site is in large 
proportion low lying, subject to tidal inundation except as pro- 
tected by dikes, thus involving a great amount of expensive earth 
fill to bring it up to what can be considered an acceptable eleva- 
tion for drainage, sewerage and building purposes; (2) that the 
time required to place the necessary fill, to obtain it, and to 
consolidate it would fix the time of beginning building construc- 
tion at the Spring of 1924; (3) That the character of the subsoil 
is such as to necessitate piles under practically every structure 
on the grounds ; (4) that the cost of introduction of proper water 
supply would be excessive; and (5) that the serious mosquito 
problem, of which the considerations of health and comfort de- 
mand the solution, would be expensive; all point to the conclu- 
sion that the adoption of this site and the absorption of these 
large excess costs into the Exposition budget could be justified 
only with great difficulty. 



The sum total of these costs, amounting to approximately 
$12,000,000 for what might be designated as purely preparatory 
expenses, when compared with some of the available sites, in 
our opinion makes it somewhat impracticable. 

The one outstanding advantage of the site is its water frontage, 
concededly a tremendous and unique one, but from the stand- 
point of prudent conservation of Exposition funds and justifiable 
financial engineering, probably does not warrant the large expen- 
diture necessary for this tract over that involved at other sites 
which are on the whole as equally well adapted for Exposition 
purposes. 

Conclusions. — The Committee has decided from an engineer- 
ing standpoint after most careful consideration that the upper 
Fairmount Park Site, known as No. 8, should receive the highest 
rating, with the Roxborough Site ranking as No. 2. 

Recommendations. — Based on the somewhat intensive study 
that we have given the special elements assigned us in the con- 
sideration of all the sites, and our general engineering knowledge 
and experience, the Committee unanimously makes the following 
recommendations : 

First — That the main part of the Exposition be placed in that 
part of West Fairmount Park known as Site No. 8. 

Second — That the Parkway be completed, together with the 
Municipal Art Building and Court of Honor, in time for the 
Exposition, and that the Fine Arts Exhibit, embracing paint- 
ing, sculpture, tapestry, architecture, etc., be separated from the 
main body of the Exposition and placed in buildings which are 
now under construction. 

That as many permanent Federal, State, and Municipal build- 
ings as possible be placed on or along the Parkway. 

This second recommendation eliminates the enormous cost re- 
sulting from the adoption of the Cret Plan in its entirety. 

Third — That we would further recommend the Stadium and 
athletic site be located north of Girard Avenue Bridge and east 
of the Schuylkill River, on the site which is common to both the 
Fairmount Park Plans and Cret Plans. 

The City would thus utilize to the fullest extent the construc- 
tion in which it is now engaged, or has in immediate contempla- 
tion, and would give a magnificent and unexcelled approach to 
the main part of the Exposition. 



28 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



Appended to this report is a table showing the engineering 
ratings of the various sites prepared by the Subcommittee on 
Engineering. 

Respectfully submitted, 

(Signed) BENJ. FRANKLIN, Chairman. 
WALTER F. BALLINGER, 
M. WARD EASBY, 
A. R. LINDSEY, 
JOHN MEIGS, 
R. A. PRENDERGAST, 
J. A. VOGLESON. 
JOSEPH C. WAGNER, 

FAIRMOUNT PARK-PARKWAY PLAN. 

At the time this report was made the Fairmount Park-Parkway 
Plan was not under consideration. As it permits the use of the 
Fairmount Park territory recommended herein, and gives the 
leeway of extension into the Lower Fairmount Site, without re- 
quiring the many expenditures called for in the latter site, the 
Chairman of the Committee on Civil Engineering, as its represen- 
tative, joined in giving it the highest rating. (Appendix B.) 



Rating 


Site 


(1) 


8 


(2) 


7 


(3) 


3 


(4) 


4 


(5) 


5 


(6) 


6 


(7) 


10 


(8) 


14 


(9) 


12 


(10) 


9 


(ID 


11 



(12) 



Note.- 
only. 



13 



TABLE OF RATINGS 

Civil Engineering Subcommittee 

Remarks 
Upper Fairmount Park. 
Roxborough Plan. 
Pennypack Park. 
Upper Roosevelt Boulevard. 
Lower Roosevelt Boulevard. 
Juniata and Tacony Parks Plan. 
League Island Park Plan. 
Hog Island Plan. 

40th Ward Plan, or Cannonball Farm. 
Lower Fairmount Park or Cret Plan. 
39th Ward Plan, immediately north of Hog 
Island Park Plan. 

40th Ward Plan, immediately north of Can- 
nonball Farm. 



-These ratings are established on an engineering basis 



2yii-%ji' <s*it v 



<* " 







Suggested Roxborough Plan 

5CHUYLKILL-Wl5SAHICKON SlTE 

Reproduced from Original by De Armond A&hmead £ Bickley 

Accompanying report" of 

Sesqui- Centennial Committee 
THE ENGINEERS CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 

Janu ary - 1*^22. 





GE.R.MANTOWN 



PLATE VII 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



29 



APPENDIX E 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, 
ACCESSIBILITY, ETC. 



Philadelphia, Pa., January 23, 1922. 

Sesqui-Centennial Committe, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

To the Chairman: 

Pursuant to instructions of your Committee at meeting held 
December 15th, the Committee on Transportation has made a 
study of the plans, statistics and information furnished by your 
Committee on Statistics, and of other information and data 
available to them on the various sites proposed for the Exposi- 
tion as related to transportation and accessibility, and beg to 
report as follows: 

The result of this study and investigation is shown on a table 
of percentage ratings, herewith submitted, entitled "Sesqui-Cen- 
tennial — Transportation and Accessibility — Rating in Percentage 
of Suggested Sites — Transportation Committee — Engineers' Club 
of Philadelphia." The following important elements affecting 
transportation have been duly considered in the preparation of 
this rating: 

First — Accessibility. 

Second — Steam railroads (freight and passenger facilities). 
Third — Electric railways — suburban. 
Fourth — Street railways. 
Fifth — Water Transportation. 

Sixth — Highways — automobiles, motor busses, taxicabs, 
trucks, and parking facilities. 

The function of the steam railroad as related to the Exposi- 
tion is: 

First — Delivery to the site of the Exposition of building ma- 
terial, machinery and other bulk freight required for 
4 



construction, and the delivery of freight consigned to 
exhibitors. 

Second — Operation of excursion trains from outlying cities 
and towns to the Exposition, where adequate terminals, 
tracks, platforms and empty car yards must be provided. 

Third — Transportation of visitors to the Exposition from 
distant points by special or regular train service, arriv- 
ing and departing from the main railroad passenger 
terminals. 

The function of suburban electric railways is that of furnish- 
ing transportation from the territory surrounding Philadelphia 
to their existing terminals in the City. Unless a site is chosen 
which is accessible to some of these lines they will not be a fac- 
tor in the local transportation problem, as passengers would have 
to transfer at their terminals to street railway or subway and 
elevated lines. 

The function of street railway lines — surface, subway and ele- 
vated — is that of providing transportation for visitors and the 
local population from their homes, hotels, boarding houses and 
railroad terminals in the different sections of the City to and 
from the Exposition. The construction of an adequate terminal 
within or adjacent to the Exposition, together with the routing 
of car lines to make as accessible as possible all sections of the 
City, will be necessary. 

River transportation will be negligible unless a site is selected 
adjacent or in close proximity to the Delaware River, in which 
event a large number of visitors from points in New Jersey, and 
from Chester and Wilmington, can be landed by existing and 
new ferry and steamboat lines. 

Highways and Boulevards — automobiles, taxicabs and motor 
busses — will be important elements in the transportation of visi- 
tors to the Exposition, both from sections within the City and 
from points outside the City, within a radius of one hundred and 
fifty miles. The facility for parking, therefore, is one of the most 
important considerations in the determination of a site, and a 
tract or tracts of ground of a total area of 100 to 150 acres 
adjacent to the Exposition grounds would seem to be necessary. 

It may be found convenient to visitors to provide much of the 
parking space inside the Exposition grounds. 

Consideration should be given to camping sites for automobile 
tourists, such as are maintained in the large western cities. These 
sites, however, need not be adjacent to the Exposition. 

A statement describing the existing transportation facilities 



30 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



and other features affecting transportation to the site under con- 
sideration, is appended. 

We would not care to say that any one of the sites considered 
is impracticable for transportation service, but it is apparent 
that some of the proposed sites cannot be adequately served, and 
the inability to properly transport people to and from the Expo- 
sition would certainly work against the good results expected 
of it. We have based the rating on a normal and reasonable 
expenditure for steam railroad and street railway line extensions 
and terminal facilities. Unquestionably, even the sites with the 
lowest ratings can be made reasonably accessible by the expendi- 
ture of large sums of money for steam railroad, street railway 
and rapid transit lines, and bridges and highways. It must be 
realized, however, that many of the facilities that might be pro- 
vided by these large expenditures would be unproductive and a 
considerable portion of same would be abandoned after the close 
of the Exposition. 

In conclusion we would call particular attention to the fact 
that the ratings for transportation and accessibility of several 
of the suggested sites are not so materially different that we 
would feel like recommending, from the transportation point of 
view alone, any particular one of the highest rated sites. 

Respectfully submitted, 

(Signed) R. H. HORTON, 

HENRY H. QUIMBY, 
SAMUEL T. WAGNER, 
S. A. SLOAN, 
E. B. TEMPLE, Chairman. 

Transportation Committee. 



TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY— RATING IN 
PER CENT. FOR SUGGESTED SITES. 

Per 
Cent. 

Pennypack Park 39 

Upper Roosevelt Boulevard 49 

Lower Roosevelt Boulevard 50 

Juniata and Tacony Parks 57 

Roxborough 25 



Upper Fairmount Park (Centennial) 59 

Lower Fairmount Park (Cret) 62 

League Island Park 58 

Revised League Island Park, north of Terminal 

Avenuef 58 

Fortieth Ward 53 

Cannon Ball Farm 49 

Hog Island 47 

Fairmount Park-Parkway Site includes the Fairmount 

Park (Cret) and Fairmount Park (Centennial) 

Sites, and may therefore be rated as on a parity 

with them. 

tRating is based on present railroad facilities and terminals in South 
Philadelphia. 



LOWER FAIRMOUNT PARK SITE (CRET PLAN) 

Steam Railroads. 

This is the most centrally located of any of the sites suggested. 
It is close to the center of the population of the City, both east 
and west of the Schuylkill River, and more readily accessible 
from the large hotels and apartment houses in the central part 
of the City than the other sites. It is within reasonable walking 
distance from Broad Street Station, the Reading Terminal, B. & 
0. R. R. Station at Twenty-fourth and Chestnut streets, and 
West Philadelphia Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Girard 
Avenue Station, on the Philadelphia & Reading Railway, is di- 
rectly adjacent to the northeastern section of the site. 

The Baltimore & Ohio and the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- 
way main lines are contiguous to a considerable portion of the 
area included in the site, and there are reasonable possibilities 
for developing adequate stations on these railroads to serve the 
Exposition, although it does not seem feasible to construct a ter- 
minal within the site of the Exposition where excursion trains 
from outlying cities and towns can be handled. The main ter- 
minals of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway at Twelfth and 
Market streets, and Broad Street Station of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, cannot be considered as adequate to handle local Expo- 
sition traffic, as they are now used to capacity during the rush 
hours of the day. The Pennsylvania could probably construct 
a terminal adjacent to Thirtieth street, in the vicinity of Spring 
Garden street, or on the New York division at Engleside, for 
excursion trains. 

This site, as presented by the Fairmount Park Art Association, 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



31 



involves the use of land on both banks of the Schuylkill River 
from Fairmount Dam to the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge, and 
would necessitate roofing over of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad 
tracks on the east side of the river and the abandonment of the 
abattoir and stockyard and tracks serving same on Pennsylvania 
Railroad property on the west side of the river. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

This site is within reasonable walking distance of the Fifteenth 
and Nineteenth street stations of the subway, and of a number 
of cross town lines, viz., Market and Arch Streets, and the car 
lines crossing Spring Garden Street and Girard Avenue bridges. 
Some re-routing of car lines may be possible that will make it 
accessible from the more remote sections of the City not served 
by subway or elevated lines. 

While the lines serving this site are adequate, they are now 
the most congested in the City during the peak hours and, there- 
fore, the handling of Exposition crowds would tax them severely 
and cause great inconvenience to their regular patrons. 

The question of a street railway terminal within or adjacent 
to the Exposition grounds we believe can be taken care of. 

Highways. 

This site would be adequately served by highways from all 
sections of the City and from outlying points, as all main high- 
ways leading into the City connect with improved City streets 
leading directly to the main entrance of the Park at Dauphin 
Street, Girard Avenue and Green Street, and there are adequate 
driveways within the park outside the limits of the Exposition 
site, to take care of this kind of traffic. 

The problem of parking space for automobiles, however, would 
seem to be rather difficult. There is practically no vacant ground 
adjacent, of any considerable acreage, that would provide ade- 
quate parking space. Presumably parking space would be needed 
at each of the main entrances to the Exposition and it has been 
suggested, to overcome the difficulties of parking at this site, 
that special structures be built. We are not prepared to say 
whether the cost of providing sufficient parking in this manner 
would be reasonable or prohibitive, as it would largely depend on 
the salvage value of the structures. It has been estimated by 
the Statistical Committee that at least one hundred to one hun- 
dred and fifty acres for parking will be required to take care of 
normal automobile traffic to the Exposition. 



Water Transportation. 

With regard to water transportation this would be of minor 
importance at this site, as there could be no transportation by 
water except by small boats on the Schuylkill River. 

UPPER FAIRMOUNT PARK (CENTENNIAL) SITE. 

Steam Railroads. 

From the standpoint of accessibility this site ranks second, as 
it is accessible to the dense population north of Market Street 
and both east and west of the Schuylkill River, and to the sub- 
urbs northwest of the city. 

The Pennsylvania Railroad operates the Belmont branch, 
which is located within the site, extending from Girard Avenue 
to Columbia bridge, where it connects with the Philadelphia & 
Reading Railway. 

The Philadelphia & Reading main line, which is also located 
within the site along the west bank of the Schuylkill River, ex- 
tends from Columbia bridge to the Falls of Schuylkill. 

Wynnefield Avenue Station, on the Schuylkill Valley branch 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad is within reasonable walking dis- 
tance of the Park entrance at Wynnefield avenue. 

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad would reach this site over 
the Reading Railway, and would have to use the same station 
facilities. 

It would seem to be rather difficult to develop any railroad 
terminal within the Exposition site adequate to handle the neces- 
sary excursion trains, and therefore traffic of this character 
would probably have to be handled at some point outside of 
the Exposition grounds. 

Street Railways — Surface, Subway and Elevated Lines. 

There would seem to be an adequate number of lines of street 
railways to serve this site, as there are trolley terminals for a 
number of lines at the Dauphin Street entrance to the Park and 
at Forty-fourth Street and Parkside Avenue, with the Fairmount 
Park trolley to connect the two rapid transit terminals and dis- 
tribute visitors at different points in the Park. However, there 
would have to be extensive improvements made to the Park 
trolley line in order to make it adequate to handle this business. 

Highways. 

This site is conveniently located for highways from all sec- 
tions of the City, as, in the case of the Cret plan, all principal 



32 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



highways leading into the City are connected with the West 
Park by improved City streets. There is also sufficient ground 
within the site and adjacent thereto to provide adequate parking 
space. 

Water Transportation. 

As in the case of the Cret site, this would be of minor impor- 
tance, as there could be no transportation by water, except by 
small boats on the Schuylkill River. 

FAIRMOUNT PARK-PARKWAY PLAN. 

This site, as explained earlier, will use adequate territory in 
Fairmount Park and the Parkway. Though not reported upon 
specifically herein, due to its late consideration, the Committee 
joined in ranking the region referred to as the most advantageous 
for the Fair site (Appendix B). It has the important advantages 
pertaining to the Lower Fairmount Park or Cret Site in the possi- 
bility of having one of its entrances well into the center of the 
City along the Parkway, while the arrangement for adding terri- 
tory removes difficulties with regard to parking. Care in laying 
the site out should make service by various forms of transporta- 
tion fully comparable in effectiveness with the two other Park 
sites which have been dealt with above. 

The diversion of ordinary traffic, should the Exposition be 
placed in Fairmount Park and the Parkway, does not seem to 
offer insurmountable problems or those of such magnitude as 
would offset the advantages to be gained. 

ROXBOROUGH SITE. 

This site is nine miles in a direct line from City Hall and can 
hardly be considered, with present railroad, highway and street 
car facilities, as being reasonably accessible to the center of 
the City. 

Steam Railroads. 

The Schuylkill division of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the 
Philadelphia and Norristown branch of the Philadelphia & Read- 
ing Railway are contiguous to the westerly line of this site, along 
the Schuylkill River; but as there is a rather abrupt ascent of 
about 250 to 300 feet from the elevation of the railroad tracks 
to the general level of the site, at or near Ridge Road, it would 
be impossible to construct any spur tracks from these branches 
to the interior portion of the site. 



If new railroad construction is undertaken, a branch about 
three miles in length would have to be built from the Trenton 
cut-off of the Pennsylvania Railroad and from the Plymouth 
branch of the Reading for delivery of freight to higher ground 
and possibly for the use of excursion trains. Excursion train 
service over the Trenton cut-off would not be satisfactory on 
account of this being a freight road with dense traffic in busy 
times; and such a branch if constructed would not be a good 
feeder for the Pennsylvania Railroad, as the nearest connection 
with the New York division is at Morrisville, and with the Main 
Line, Pennsylvania Railroad, at Glen Loch. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

There are no street railways from the center of the City to 
reach this site. The nearest line is on Germantown Avenue, with 
terminus at Chestnut Hill, which transfers passengers to the 
Schuylkill Valley Transit Company. Facilities for handling pas- 
sengers on this line would be very limited, and the time con- 
sumed in getting from the center of the City to the Exposition 
would be practically prohibitive. 

The Department of City Transit has a proposed elevated and 
subway line from the center of the City via Twenty-ninth Street 
and proposed Henry Avenue, that, if constructed, would give 
reasonably rapid transit service. We believe, however, the City 
has no intention of constructing this line until more important 
subway and elevated lines in other sections of the City have been 
completed. 

Electric Railways — Suburban. 

This site is accessible from lines running to Norristown, Potts- 
town, Reading, Easton and Doylestown. 

Highways. 

This site is accessible to Ridge avenue, which runs directly 
through the property, and to the Bethlehem Turnpike and Perkio- 
men Pike or Germantown Avenue. There are also improved high- 
ways leading from the Lincoln Highway that would take care 
of travel from New York, Easton and Doylestown. The main 
thoroughfares leading from the City are Ridge and Germantown 
Avenues, neither of which are very good automobile routes, as 
both have trolley tracks on them. This location, at the present 
time, is inaccessible from the section west of the Schuylkill River, 
the nearest bridge over the river being located at Consho- 
hocken, Pa. 





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Suggested League Island Site 

Reproduced from Original by Jos eph M. Huston. 

Accompanying .report of 

5ESQU1-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE 

THE EN61N1ERSCLUBOF PHILADELPHIA 

January- 1^22 



PLATE VIII 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



33 



Water Transportation. 

While the site extends to the Schuylkill River, river transpor- 
tation would not be practicable. 



PENNYPACK PARK SITES. 

Three sites embracing Pennypack Park and adjacent land 
have been proposed. They can be considered as one from the 
standpoint of accessibility and transportation. 

Steam Railroads. 

This site could be reached by the Pennsylvania Railroad from 
its Bustleton branch and by the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- 
way from its New York division short lines. Freight could only 
be handled by the construction of spur tracks from both rail- 
roads. Trains on the Bustleton branch of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road would have to be handled over the New York division, cross- 
ing the four main tracks at grade at Holmesburg Junction, which 
is objectionable from an operating standpoint. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

The present street railway facilities consist of a trolley line 
on Frankford Avenue and a line constructed but not operated 
from the terminus of the Frankford elevated at Frankford to 
Bustleton. These two lines would provide limited facilities for 
traffic and we believe a greater proportion of the traffic would 
have to be handled by the steam railroads than would be reason- 
ably practicable. 

Highways. 

This site is at the terminus of the Northeast Boulevard, and 
adjacent to the Lincoln Highway and a number of other im- 
proved roads which would take care of the cross-country traffic. 
Ample parking facilities could be provided. 

Water Transportation. 

Some weight should be given to water transportation, as it is 
proposed that a certain amount of river frontage be included 
in the site, but while ferries and steamboats could be operated 
there would have to be some means provided for transporting 
visitors from the water front to the interior section of the Expo- 
sition, as the main part of the site is somewhat remote from 
the river front. 



JUNIATA-TACONY PARK SITE. 

Steam Railroads. 

The Pennsylvania Railroad operates the Oxford Road branch, 
which is located along the west border of the site where freight 
and passenger trains could be handled and the necessary ter- 
minal constructed. 

The Philadelphia & Reading Railway could reach the site by 
constructing a spur from the Frankford branch, in the vicinity 
of Castor Road. 

A station could be constructed on the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, New York division, somewhere between North Penn Junc- 
tion and Frankford Junction and directly south of the proposed 
site. An objectionable feature from a transportation standpoint 
is that all incoming and outgoing Pennsylvania Railroad trains 
would have to be handled on the New York division, crossing 
the four main tracks at grade, where the normal traffic is very 
heavy. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

Transportation by street railways would be principally by 
means of the Frankford elevated, which is on Kensington Avenue 
along the easterly side of the proposed site. Extension of exist- 
ing surface lines in the vicinity of Erie Avenue and Fifth Street 
could be made to afford additional facilities by surface car lines. 

Highways. 

This site is not very well located with respect to improved 
highways at the present time, although it is close to the North- 
east Boulevard, and adequate approaches from this highway 
could be constructed, and it is likely the City would open other 
important thoroughfares to reach the Exposition. As there is a 
great deal of vacant ground contiguous to this site, ample park- 
ing space could be provided. 

Water Transportation. 

This site is located at such distance from the river that no 
water transportation would be available. 



LOWER ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD SITE. 

This site cannot be rated highly from accessibility standpoint, 
as it is not close to built-up sections of the City. 



34 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



Steai?i Railroads. 

The Philadelphia & Reading Railway New York division cut- 
off is located within the area of the proposed site, and the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Oxford Road branch is adjacent. Therefore, 
adequate facilities could be had for handling passenger and 
freight trains by the construction of a terminal and tracks. The 
same difficulty of operation, however, applies in respect to the 
Pennsylvania Railroad that is met with in the Juniata-Tacony 
Park site — that all incoming and outgoing trains would have to 
be handled on the New York division, crossing the four main 
tracks at grade. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

This site is very poorly located from a street railway stand- 
point, as there are only two lines that are at present within 
reasonable distance which could be extended to take care of the 
traffic. 

Highways. 

This site, which borders on the Northeast Boulevard, would, 
of course, have excellent highway approaches, although all traffic 
centralized on one highway is bound to result in great congestion. 
Ample parking facilities could be provided. 

Water Transportation. 

This site is so remote from the Delaware River that no water 
transportation can be considered. 

UPPER ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD SITE. 

From a transportation standpoint this site has practically the 
same rating as the lower Roosevelt Boulevard Site. The two 
sites are contiguous and, for all practical purposes, should be 
considered as one. 

LEAGUE ISLAND SITE. 

This site has a good location along the Delaware River and 
back channel and adjoins League Island Navy Yard, but from 
the standpoint of accessibility does not compare favorably with 
the Cret or Upper Fairmount Park sites. 

Steam Railroads. 

This site is hardly feasible because the joint line of the Balti- 
more & Ohio Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad is constructed 



directly across it. The Pennsylvania Railroad in 1918-19 con- 
structed an engine terminal about the center of the site at a cost 
of over one million dollars. If the engine terminal were aban- 
doned during the Exposition and the track removed the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad and Baltimore & Ohio service over Twenty-fifth 
Street and Delaware Avenue would continue on the present route 
via Packer Street and Oregon Avenue. Broad Street is bridged 
over the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks and crosses the Baltimore 
& Ohio Railroad at grade. All other streets in the city cross 
these tracks at grade. This site in our opinion should not be 
seriously considered owing to its interfering very materially with 
the present and proposed railroad facilities in that section of the 
City. 

Street Railways — Surface, Subway and Elevated Lines. 

The Philadelphia Rapid Transit surface lines could be extended 
from their present terminus north of Oregon Avenue to a point 
north of Packer Street, but access to the Exposition grounds 
would have to be by means of overhead bridges over the exist- 
ing yard tracks of the Pennnsylvania Railroad, which would be 
inconvenient and make a very poor entrance to the Exposition. 
The Philadelphia Rapid Transit surface lines west of Broad 
Street might be carried over the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks 
by means of temporary bridges and a terminal constructed giv- 
ing good access to the Exposition main entrance at or near Broad 
Street. The Philadelphia Rapid Transit can conveniently handle 
passengers from the Market Street and Frankford elevated lines 
to this site ; and the southwestern trolley line on Penrose Avenue 
could be extended to this site and would serve Chester and the 
intervening territory. 

Highways. 

This site would have fairly good highways serving it. Most 
of the traffic would undoubtedly use Broad Street and there would 
be access from West Philadelphia and adjacent suburbs over 
Passyunk Avenue and Penrose Ferry bridges. 

Water Transportation. 

Piers and ferry slips could be constructed which would handle 
traffic from Wilmington, Chester and Trenton, and ferry service 
installed between Gloucester or some other point on the New 
Jersey shore which would form a convenient method for people 
from south Jersey to reach the Exposition. 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



35 



REVISED LEAGUE ISLAND PARK SITE. 

The availability of this site from a transportation standpoint is 
practically the same as that of the League Island Park Site. 
It is located north of League Island Park, extends from Broad 
Street to Delaware Avenue and from Packer to Patterson Streets, 
and can be enlarged if necessary to include part of the League 
Island Park Site southwardly to Terminal Avenue, directly north 
of the joint railroad line. 

Steam Railroads. 

In order to reach the river front from the main portion of the 
site it would be necessary to construct a bridge over the tracks 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad located on Delaware Avenue. The 
river frontage is now owned and occupied by Pennsylvania Rail- 
road facilities. The agreement between the City and Railroad 
Company for the elimination of grade crossings in South Phila- 
delphia provides that the City shall purchase the present Green- 
wich Point Terminal of the Pennsylvania Railroad. 



HOG ISLAND SITE. 

Steam Railroads. 

This site cannot be rated highly from accessibility standpoint. 
It is outside the City limits and remote from built-up sections 
of the City. Steam railroad facilities are excellent, as the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad can reach the site from its Sixtieth Street 
branch and Chester and Philadelphia branch, which; connect 
with the Hog Island Terminal loop; and the Philadelphia & 
Reading Railway can reach it over their Chester branch, which 
connects with the branch constructed from their line at Ninetieth 
street to the Hog Island terminal loop. 

Adequate facilities exist within the site at the present time 
in the way of tracks to provide ample facilities for the delivery 
of freight and any number of passengers that could be handled 
by the railroad companies. 

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad could reach this site by the 
use of the Philadelphia & Reading line, connecting at Eastwick 
Junction. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

This site is rather poorly situated for transportation by street 
railways. There exists at the present time a double track line 
on Island Avenue, operated by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit 
Company, and a line on Penrose Ferry Avenue and Island Road. 



The capacity of these two lines would hardly measure up to the 
requirements of a large exposition and the construction of any 
additional lines would be very costly. Therefore, we believe 
more traffic would be thrown on the railroad companies than 
could be successfully handled from their stations or terminals 
in the City. 

Highways. 

This site would be accessible from the City east of the Schuyl- 
kill River over Penrose Ferry Road, and from the City west of 
the river over Island Road, with the possibility that a new high- 
way might be constructed from Passyunk Avenue to the proposed 
site. Ample parking space could be provided at the site of the 
Exposition or on City property adjacent. 

Water Transportation. 

The possibilities of water transportation to this site are excel- 
lent. Existing piers would provide means for taking care of the 
boat traffic from Wilmington, Chester and Trenton and other 
points along the river, and a ferry slip could be constructed and 
a ferry operated between Gloucester and the Exposition, taking 
care of automobile and other traffic from points in New Jersey. 

Electric Railways — Suburban. 

This site could be well served with regard to suburban electric 
railways for people in Chester and that portion of Delaware 
County west of Hog Island. 



CANNON BALL FARM AND FORTIETH WARD SITES. 

These two sites are contiguous to the Hog Island Site, and 
from the standpoint of accessibility would have nearly the same 
rating. 

Steam Railroads. 

The same steam railroad facilities would be available as at 
Hog Island, with the exception that station and terminal tracks 
would have to be constructed. 

Street Railways — Surface, Elevated and Subway Lines. 

These sites would have about the same rating for street rail- 
ways and be served by the same lines, with the exception that 
the Fortieth Ward Site would have additional service, being in 



36 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



close proximity to Elmwood Avenue and Woodland Avenue car 
lines and close to the present terminus of Passyunk Avenue. 



Highways. 

These sites would have available the same highways as Hog 
Island and would probably have the advantage of additional 
highways opened by the City in the development of this section. 
There would be no difficulty in providing ample parking space. 



Water Transportation. 

Cannon Ball Farm Site would enjoy practically the same water 
front facilities as the Hog Island Site, with the exception that 
piers would have to be constructed. The Fortieth Ward Site, 
adjacent to Cannon Ball Farm, is not located as advantageously 
for water transportation, as steamboats and ferries would have 
to pass through the Penrose Ferry drawbridge, which, with the 
congestion on the highway, would mean serious delays to either 
highway or river traffic. 




Suggested PevnypackPark Plan 

d from Onqir^l prepared bv Ticor. / Mangfrft Asa 



Sesqui- Centennial Committee 
THE ENQINEBRS CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 

January- 1^22. 



PLATE IX 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



37 



APPENDIX F 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON POWER AND LIGHT 
WITH A STATEMENT ON CENTRAL STATION 
SERVICE, AND THE REPORT ON 
COMMUNICATION 



Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 
Engineers' Club of Philadelphia, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

To the Chairman: 

An Exposition requires a large amount of energy in the form 
of heat, light and power for cooking, and the heating of some 
of its buildings, for operating working exhibits, for pumping 
great quantities of water for lagoons, water basins, fountains 
and cascades, and for the decorative and spectacular forms of 
illumination which so powerfully affect the attendance and the 
impression of the Exposition upon the minds of visitors. 

The kinds of power which must be provided are electric, steam, 
gas, gasoline and oil, and if water-power were available, exhibi- 
tors could make an exceedingly interesting display of hydro- 
electric apparatus in actual operation. 

The amounts of power of each kind will vary according to 
the size and location of the Exposition, the detail plans for 
grounds, buildings and decorative features, and with the desires 
of exhibitors. 

From the experience of former expositions (see Exhibit I) 
and the judgment of its members, some of whom have fortunately 
had considerable experience with expositions, the Committee 
believes that it will be necessary to provide to the extent of: 

Electric Power, 15,000 K. W. 

Steam, 5,000 H. P. 

Gas, 15,000,000 cubic feet per month. 

The amount of gasoline and oil power will depend upon the 
exhibitors and as both sources can be provided upon any site 
it is not now necessary to prophesy concerning the maximum 
amounts needed. 



The uses of these forms of power will be approximately as 
follows: 

Electric, from Central Station: 

Decorative and spectacular lighting, lighting and power 
for exhibitors; general service connected with grounds 
and buildings — heating and cooling. 

Electric, from Exposition Plant: 

Safety lighting of grounds and buildings. 

Gas: 

Safety lighting of grounds and buildings; decorative 
lighting; cooking and heating; for exhibitors using gas 
appliances and processes. 

Steam : 

Heating of some of the buildings, such as Administra- 
tion, Music and Art Buildings; Amusement concessions 
and the various restaurants. 

Pumping; operation of working exhibits; spectacular 
lighting effects. 

Gasoline and Oil: 

Driving of engines of exhibitors; trucking connected 
with care of Exposition grounds and buildings. 

THE SOURCES OF POWER. 

Electric power in earlier expositions was obtained from a tem- 
porary plant within the grounds, the machinery for which was, 
so far as possible, borrowed or rented from manufacturers who 
were thus able to make a large and striking working exhibit 
upon terms mutually advantageous to them and to the Exposi- 
tion. It was necessary to have this large Exposition plant be- 
cause the load was too great for the local electric central station 
to supply. Since those expositions the invention of the Tung- 
sten lamp has lowered the load to one-third and the size of cen- 
tral stations has greatly increased. Therefore, we believe that 
the bulk of the electric power needed could be obtained from 
the Philadelphia Electric Company, and only that part supplied 
from the Exposition's own plant which corresponds to a sufficient 
lighting of aisles, toilets and exits of buildings and streets, walks 
and gates in the grounds to insure safety in case of trouble with 
the central station supply. 

Steam for power, heating, cooking and spectacular lighting 
effects must be supplied from the Exposition's own plant as there 
is no other source. 



38 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



Gas should be supplied by the United Gas Improvement 
Company. 

Gasoline and Oil Power will probably all be derived from the 
engines of exhibitors. 

Water Power can be obtained at only one site — the Fairmount 
Park-Parkway Site — and even there in limited quantity and pos- 
sibly not at all in extremely dry weather. 

The Method of Rating the different sites employed by us is 
the same as adopted by the General Committee, viz.: 

1. To formulate the important items to be considered and 

sub-items, if any, coming under these. 

2. To indicate by figures on a scale of 100, our opinion of 

the relative importance of, or weight to be attached to, 
these items. 

3. To visit each site and there consider and mark down oppo- 

site each item or sub-item a figure representing how 
closely it approaches practical perfection. 

4. To combine these figures with their weights into a single 

percentage for each site which represents how closely 
that site approaches practical perfection for the whole 
item of power and lighting. 
The items and method are indicated in Exhibit II. 



Practically all the important items can be had at any site by 
an expenditure of money that is not beyond reason. If there 
were detail plans available it would be possible to calculate the 
total costs for each site and evaluate or rate the various sites 
on the basis of relative total costs. 

Under the existing circumstances this cannot be done except 
for a few items. For these the excess for any item at any site 
above the probable cost for that item on the site most favorable 
for that item has been noted. 

Moreover, some sites now have or will have soon, facilities that 
will be needed by the Exposition upon any site. In such, cases 
we have listed the probable amount that need not be expended 
for the Exposition if it were placed upon this site. 

These savings are additional advantages for the sites beyond 
the percentage ratings and should be used in connection with 
similar items from reports of other committees to make up the 
item of "cost" which is one of the list of important items to be 
considered in the selection of a site. 



The Result oj the Rating which has been made as above is as 

follows: 

Approxi- 

v , * mate excess 

-r, ,. a - . cost above 

Rating as equipment - Jow 

Site a P/r cent, not nee- cQst Qn 

of ideal essary to { 

purchase f( / a ^ 

items only 
Fairmount Park-Parkway* 

Cret and its enlargement 89.2 $500,000f — 

Upper Fairmount, "Centennial" 86.9 — $15,000 

Southeast Philadelphia, Huston and 

its enlargement 86.5 — 35.000 

Fortieth Ward 862 — 95,000 

Cannon Ball Farm 81.9 — 150,000 

Pennypack Park— Nos. 1, 2, and 3. . 81.3 — 210,000 

Tacony Creek Park 80.3 — 75,000 

Hog Island 77.6 15,000 200,000 

Roxiborough 73.8 — 275,000 

Upper Roosevelt Boulevard 68.3 — 270,000 

Lower Roosevelt Boulevard 66.9 — 500,000 

The Fairmount Park-Parkway Site is the only one with any 
sizable water power. However, the amount is at best only a few 
hundred horse-power and this is not sure during dry weather, 
although this situation will be improved by the contemplated 
dams to be installed farther up the Schuylkill River. 

The new Art Museum will have its own equipment for lighting, 
heating, gas and water service and if the Exposition were located 
on the Parkway Site there would be no need of expenditure for 
such equipment, the saving being some $100,000. 

The advantages and disadvantages of the various sites are 
stated in words, in Exhibit III. 

Respectfully submitted, 

(Signed) CLAYTON W. PIKE, Chairman. 
BENJAMIN P. FOSTER, 
WM. J. SERRILL, 
ALBERT C. WOOD. 

Philadelphia, January 11, 1922. 

*Rated highest, but not given specific figures by reason of late con- 
sideration. 

fThere will be a steam plant near this site suitable to act as the Expo- 
sition plant previously mentioned, which can be obtained and the Exposi- 
tion will be saved the expenditure of some $400,000. 




Suggested Hog Island Plan 

Reproduced fr om Original by W. L. Plack-C .F.Neff-V. Wi'erman 
Accompanying reporf of 

Sesqui-Centennial Committee 
THE ENGINEERS CLUB OF PHILADELPHIA 

January - 1^22. 



^ 



v/4£ £ 



g,see 



CM/t"" 1 "-' 



76m jceesse (//are. eoor /46 



PLATE X 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



39 



EXHIBIT I. 

QUANTITIES OF POWER, WATER AND GAS USED IN EARLIER 
EXPOSITIONS, AND ESTIMATED FOR SESQUI-CENTENNIAL 
EXPOSITION IN 1926. 

Electric Steam Gas Water 

K. W. H. P. cu. ft. cu. ft. 

capacity additional daily daily 

1893— Chicago 13,000 7,000 157,600 64,000,000 

1900 — Paris (maximum de- 
mand, 11,000 K. W.).... 15,000 5,000 647,000 6,470.000 

1904— St. Louis 26,000 14,000 small 130,000,000 

1915 — San Francisco (actual 

maximum demand, 8,100 

K. W.) 15,000 small 486,550 3,500,000 

1926— Philadelphia 15,000 5,000 600,000 * 

* Depends upon site chosen and landscape plan. 



EXHIBIT II. 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL. SITE STUDY POEM— POWER AND LIGHTING 
Site Proposed 



9 



10' 11 



Exposition steam plant — 

Puel 

Supply 

Storage 

Water 

Boilers 

Condensing 

Ash disposal 



Distribution 

Free of rock 
Dry soil 



Gas 



Supply to gTounds . 

Internal piping under- 
ground 

Internal piping above 
ground 

Metering and governing 

Utilization appliances.. 

Maintenance 



Relative import- 
ance of each 
item studied 



70 
30 



10 
90 



Gasoline and oil 

Supply 

Storage 



Water 

Quantity available . 
Head 

Improved water power 
available 



Final relative rating of site 



30 



60 



10 

65 
35 

25 

25 

15 

15 

15 

5 

70 
30 

30 

50 

20 



30 



20 



30 



Eat- 
ing 
of 

site 
% 



10 



10 



100 
75 

100 
100 
100 



100 
45 



Combination of rating and 
relative importance 



5x2 



70.0 
22.5 

10.0 

90.0 



90 

80 



100 



Wgt. 
av. 



7x3 



92.5 



100.0 



100.0 



100.0 
45.0 



26.0 

70.0 

90.0 
90.0 
90.0 
80.0 

90.0 
80.0 

100.0 



27.7 
60.0 

10.0 

65.0 
15.8 

6.5 

17.5 

13.5 

13.5 

13.5 

4.0 

63.0 
24.0 

30.0 



Wgt. 
av. 



97.7 



9X4 



Wgt. 
av. 



29.3 



80.8 



68.5 



87.0 



30.0 



lfl.l 



20.5 



3.0 



77.6 



77.6% 



Value available equipment: 

Sub-station apparatus $15,000 

Excess cost over minimum: 

Installation (foundations) $5,000 

Pumping — 

Steam distribution 10,000 

Gas— supply to grounds 209,000 



Total excess 



$214,000 



40 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



EXHIBIT III. 

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES AS TO POWER AND LIGHTING 
OF THE VARIOUS SITES. 
LOWER FAIRMOUNT — FAIRMOUNT PARK-PARKWAY. 

Advantages Disadvantages. 

Art Building has own light, water Some rock and tree roots, 

and gas equipment. 

Separate steam and electric plant 
is available for exposition use. 

Dry soil for underground distri- 
bution. 

Some water power available. 

Lighting effects more beautiful 
than on a flat site. 

UPPER FAIRMOUNT. 

Dry soil. Underground work more costly 

Lighting effects more beautiful. owing to tree roots. 

SOUTHEAST PHILADELPHIA. 

Free from rock or tree roots. Wet soil for underground steam. 

Poor foundations. 

FORTIETH WARD. 

Free from rock or tree roots. Wet soil for underground steam. 

Poor foundations. 

CANNON BALL FARM. 

Free from rock or tree roots. Wet soil for underground steam. 

Poor foundations. 

PENNYPACK PARK. 

Dry soil. Height to pump water. 

Good Foundation. 
Better lighting effects than on flat 
site. 

TACONY CREEK PARK. 

Dry soil. Height to pump water. 

Good foundation. 
Better lighting effects than on flat 
site. 

HOG ISLAND. 

No rock. Wet soil for underground steam. 

Sub-station apparatus available. Poor foundation. 



Dry soil. 

Good foundations. 



Dry soil. 

Good foundation. 

Dry soil. 

Good foundation. 

Free from rock, etc. 



ROXBOROUGH. 

Height to pump water. 
Distance to transport materials. 
Distance to transport workmen. 

UPPER ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD. 

Little water. 

LOWER ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD. 

Little water. 



SUPPLY OF CENTRAL STATION POWER 

Mr. W. C. L. Eglin was appointed to report upon availability 
of central station power at the Fair sites. After such study as 
was required for the purpose he reported to the Sesqui-Centennial 
Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia that sufficient 
power for Exposition purposes could be supplied without serious 
difficulty from the central station service of the city at any of 
the sites. He stated further that the variation in cost in supply- 
ing the necessary power at the needed points where the Exposition 
might be located was not of sufficient moment to warrant making 
a detailed report. 



REPORT ON COMMUNICATION 

Sesqui-Centennial Committee, 
Engineers' Club, Philadelphia. 
To the Chairman: 

Forwarded herewith is a tabulation showing the ratings of the 
various sites proposed for the Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition from 
the standpoint of communication facilities and service. In pre- 
paring these ratings various factors have been given considera- 
tion, as follows: 

1. Estimated gross and net expenditures necessary for each 
site on the part of the various communication companies 
to care for the temporary increase in traffic before and 
during the Exposition. 

2. The expenditures necessary to adequately connect each 
of the sites with the systems of the several communication 
companies. 

3. The cost of necessary plant within each of the sites. 

4. The availability of the investment specified under Nos. 1, 
2 and 3 above, for use after the close of the Exposition. 

5. As the following factors are estimated to be the same 
regardless of the site selected they have been considered 
as constant factors and do not appear in the ratings: 

(a) Costs of handling traffic. 

(b) Messages and message charges. 

6. In all cases the installation of loud-speaking equipment 
has been assumed. This equipment is one of the later 
developments in the art of communication which is par- 
ticularly useful for exhibition purposes. By means of 
this apparatus the size of an audience which can be ad- 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers' Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



41 



dressed by a single speaker is increased many fold, and 
several audiences may be addressed simultaneously by a 
single speaker, who may be far distant from any of them. 

7. Wireless communication. This means of communication 
was considered as a constant factor for all sites, the only 
difference being one of relatively slight cost for founda- 
tions, erection, etc. 

8. It has been assumed that satisfactory postal facilities 
will be provided by the Government at any site. As far 
as known there will be no substantial variations in the 
cost of different sites, with the exception that if an aero- 
plane mail service is featured this would require in the 
case of certain of the sites the provision of nearby land- 
ing fields outside of the grounds, while for other sites a 
portion of the grounds could be so utilized. 

These ratings and the details from which they were prepared 
are based on previous experience at other Fairs, particularly the 
Panama-Pacific Exhibition at San Francisco, and the World's 
Fair at St. Louis, with the proper corrections necessary to adapt 
this experience to the local situation. 

Respectfully submitted, 

(Signed) J. C. KILPATRICK, Chairman. 

Communications Committee. 

RATINGS OF PROPOSED SITES FROM THE STANDPOINT OF 

COMMUNICATION. 



1 . Pennypack Park 

2. Upper Roosevelt Boulevard 

3. Lower Roosevelt Boulevard 

4. Juniata and Taeony Park 

5. Roxborough 

6. Upper Fairmount Park 

7. Fairmount Park-Parkway 

8 and 9. League Island 

10. 40th Ward— North Plan 

11. 40th Ward— South Plan or Can- 

nonball Farm 

12. Hog Island 

Weighting Factor 



Rating 

on the 

Basis of 

Necessary 

Investment 

by Com- 
munication 
Companies 

85 

88 
89 
90 
84 
88 
100 
88 
87 

86 
86 
10 



Rating 
on basis 

of 
Expen- 
ditures 

to be 
borne by 
the Ex- 
hibition 

88 

88 

97 
100 

75 

97 

95 

79 



77 

93 

2 



Rating 
on 

Basis Final 
of Sal- Rating 

vage 

Sites 



95 
99 
99 
99 
93 
99 
100 
100 
90 

90 
90 

I 



8o 
88 
90 
92 
82 
90 
99 
86 
87 

85 
87 



TELEPHONE EXPERIENCE AT PREVIOUS EXPOSITIONS. 
Panama-Pacific International Exposition. 

San Francisco — 1915. 
The Exposition. 

Grounds comprised 635 acres divided into three sections. The sec- 
tion to the west of the center section contained the various State 
buildings and those of the foreign nations. Beyond these buildings 
were located the livestock exhibit building and the race course. To 
the east of the center section was situated the zone consisting of 
amusement and restaurant concessions. 

The Buildings. 

The main exhibit palaces, eleven in number, formed a central setting, 
eight of which structures comprised the main group. The eight pal- 
aces, although separated, were connected by courts and avenues and 
were constructed in rectangular form. 

Tele-phone Plant and Construction. 

The telephone cables were run in the same conduit as the light and 
power cables. Conduit made of 3-inch fiber duct, having walls & inch 
thick, and ducts laid in wooden boxes and the spaces between the 
ducts filled with sand and sluiced into place through a hose. 

Total amount of duct laid for light, power and telephone require- 
ments was 424,000 duct feet, being 36,000 trench feet. Average cost, 
19 cents per duct foot. 

The manholes, numbering 150, were of timber construction. 

For telephone service 2-inch black iron pipe with burrs reamed was 
used. 

The underground system required about 41,000 feet of cable, of 
which 4,500 feet was 400 pairs. 

The trunk lines connecting the Exposition with the Telephone Com- 
pany (west office) had a capacity of 1,200 pairs. 

The Switchboard. 

Located in a room covering an area of about 2,400 square feet; 
5 sections of 15 positions of a Standard No. 1 switchboard, including 
a complete storage battery plant with changing generator and ringing 
machines. Also installed a No. 6 central office desk and a four-posi- 
tion information desk. 

Switchboard equipped with six-panel multiple and auxiliary answer- 
ing jacks and 200 incoming and 60 outgoing trunks. An operators' 
rest room was also provided. 

The equipment at attended public stations consisted of from 5 to 
10 booths, which were built by the Exposition Company and were 
wired to a Standard No. 4 P. B. X. switchboard. 

Telephone Equipment in Use. 

18 Positions, No. 1 P. B. X. Switchboards. 
377 Primary Stations. 
89 Extension Telephones. 

140 Trunks. 

60 Sending to West Office. 
39 Receiving to West Office. 

7 to Long Distance. 

2 to Long Distance Recording Board. 



42 



Report of the Sesqui-Centennial Committee of the Engineers Club of Philadelphia on Sites 



30 to Kearney Office, which serves the business section of San 

Francisco. 
2 Information. 
139 Coin Collectors. 
4-position Information Desk. 
2-position Chief Operator's Desk. 

Auxiliary P. B. X.'s: 

33 No. 4 P. B. X. Switchboards. 

60 Trunks. 
♦1068 Primary Stations. 
128 Extension Telephones. 

27 Coin Collectors. 

Line and Station Development Attributed to the Existence of the 
Exposition: 

Temporarily gained, 180 lines. 
Temporarily gained, 1,375 stations. 
This development existed only during the life of the Exposition. 

Calling Rate Entire City West Office 

Second Year before Fair 5.0 8.3 

Year before Fair 5.4 9.3 

Year of Fair: 

January 5.7 9.4 

February 5.7 10.9 

March 5.8 10.1 

April 6.0 9.8 

May 6.0 9.6 

June 5.5 8.4 

July 4.9 7.3 

August 5.3 8.1 

September 5.4 8.6 

October 5.4 7.7 

November 5.5 8.6 

December 5.6 10.5 

Average for Year 5.6 9.1 

Year after Fair 5.3 8.8 

♦367 Located in Hotel (The Inside Inn). 



St. Louis World's Fair— 1904. 

Telephone Plant and Construction. 

The World's Fair Administration furnished wooden conduit for 
cables and the Telephone Company furnished the cables for the con- 
duit, retaining ownership in the cables. The cables were withdrawn 
after the period of the Fair. 

The Switchboard. 

Complete C. O. system of about 4-A section and 3-B sections of 
No. 1 equipment was installed, together with complete distributing 
frames, power plant and Chief Operator's desk. (18 positions.) 

Telephone Equipment in Use. 
Switchboard listed above. 

About 600 stations connected to the central office. 
About 30 P. B. X's. 
Administration building P. B. X. of about 200 stations and 30 trunks. 

Line and Station Development Attributed to the Existence of the 
Exposition. 

Line and station growth for the city shows a decided increase dur- 
ing the period of the Fair, a considerable portion of the increase 
being permanent. 

Forest 

Calling Rate Entire City Office 

Second Year before Fair 8.4 5.2 

Year of Fair: 

January 8.6 5.1 

February 8.5 5.6 

March 7.9 4.9 

April 8.9 7.7 

M*ay 8.3 5.8 

June 8.5 6.3 

July 8.3 4.9 

August 7.2 4.6 

September 8.5 5.9 

October 8.4 6.4 

November 7.6 5.7 

December 7.4 5.4 

Average for Year 8.2 5.7 

Year after Fair 6.9 5.0 



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OCT. 68 

ANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 
























